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Arsene Wenger insists he was 'not involved' in controversial FIFA World Cup investment plan, says decision to scrap project 'absolutely necessary'
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Updated 04/08/2026 at 13:32 GMT+1
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Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, now FIFA’s chief of global football development, said the decision to withdraw the governing body's controversial World Cup investment plan was "absolutely necessary", but denied having any involvement in it.
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The plan put forward by FIFA president Gianni Infantino had offered payments to the organisation’s member associations of $40 million (£30m) if they were to endorse the sale of a 20% stake in future tournaments, such as the men’s and women’s World Cups, to outside investors through the creation of FIFA Forward Enterprise, a $20 billion (£14.8bn) subsidiary.
In a statement, Wenger said: "The recent events at FIFA deserve some clarity from my side.
"I was not involved in this strategic plan and first became aware of the project through media reports.
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"The decision to withdraw the project was absolutely necessary and beyond question, because I firmly believe in an independent FIFA that serves our game with commitment, transparency, and integrity."
FIFA secretary general Mattias Grafstrom also commented on the failed proposal, warning that "individuals come and go" as pressure mounts on Infantino.
"The last week has been both extraordinary and challenging for all the members of FIFA staff in our offices around the world," his internal memo to staff read.
"This is why I wanted that you were the first ones to hear from me. We have all been thrown into the middle of a turmoil, which is difficult to comprehend and accept.
"I assure you that you as members of the administration, you will be defended and safeguarded from the political context we currently experience. You do not need to worry.
"Individuals, unstable moments and unfortunate episodes come and go. The institution, its mission and its responsibility towards world football continue, and that is why we should always keep our professionalism, sense of perspective and composure."
UEFA condemn 'shabby, back-room deal'
The comments from Wenger and Grafstrom followed claims that FIFA has "lost UEFA’s confidence" by the European governing body, in response to a statement from the FIFA president announcing that he had scrapped the aforementioned plans.
European football's governing body UEFA has also called into question the position of Infantino ahead of the March 2027 FIFA Congress, when he is up for re-election.
In a statement regarding the World Cup investment plan debacle, it wrote: "UEFA thanks all the fans, leagues, clubs, players, individuals, associations and confederations that opposed the scheme, alongside the many prime ministers, heads of state and commentators who have demonstrated to the FIFA president that football is not for sale."
UEFA described Infantino's proposal as a "shabby, back room, opaque deal" which lacked transparency.
The statement added: "The current FIFA leadership has not only lost UEFA’s confidence, but also that of many other members of the football family.
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"UEFA will work with its associations and in close cooperation with other confederations to reflect on how this happened and devise a plan to make sure that it cannot occur again.
"That review should be thorough and fundamental. No option should be off the table."
The FA has released a statement backing UEFA - and calling for a "robust review" of how FIFA is being run by those in leadership positions.
"We fully support UEFA’s position," it began. "It is time for a full and robust review of FIFA’s leadership and governance to ensure that the global game is run transparently, for the benefit of all 211 member nations and with the long-term stewardship of football at its heart."
Infantino said earlier on Saturday, that the proposal had "created divisions" that are "no longer in the interest" of the concept, and stated: "As a result, this proposal will not proceed."
There was an immediate pushback against the idea, but, notably, UEFA quickly announced their member nations would not take part in any World Cup if the plan went ahead, which went some way to undermining the chances of the idea working.
The Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) made similar pronouncements, and British Prime Minister Andy Burnham suggested that Infantino was no longer the right man for the job.
On Friday, FIFA's chief operating officer Kevin Lamour said FIFA's own administration had been "deceived" regarding the proposal.
The same day, Infantino’s adviser, Carlos Cordeiro, resigned as he said that the idea was a "a bad deal for football" - and would "mortgage football's future".
With Infantino up for re-election next year, there has been speculation over whether he can remain in the post if he is challenged by a rival for the position as head of the governing body.
"Our purpose has always been - and will always be - to unite and improve," Infantino added in a statement.
"Moving forward, my intent is to bring all interested parties back together in the coming days and weeks in the spirit of shared interest in our game."
AFC president Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa was pleased the proposal had been scrapped.
He said: "The future of global football must always be shaped through proper consultation, collective dialogue and respect for the established governance structures of our game."
Infantino’s U-turn may have been forced upon him when it became clear there was little chance that it would gain sufficient backing.
He would have needed a majority of FIFA's 211 member associations to back his plan for it to proceed, and with UEFA, CONCACAF and AFC boasting 136 votes between them, the maths were not in his favour.
Governing bodies in Africa and Oceania said they would consider the plan in August, while the South American Football Confederation asked for "additional information and clarifications" about the "scope, structure, governance and possible effects" of the mooted plan.
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Real Madrid have said they "warmly welcome" the decision by FIFA to abandon the original proposal.
"Our club believes this is good news for football, for its governing bodies and, above all, for the millions of fans of our beloved sport," said Madrid in a statement.
"Real Madrid wishes to express its gratitude to UEFA, the confederations and federations, and all the institutions that opposed this proposal firmly and responsibly. Their unity and sense of duty have protected football at a decisive moment."
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