Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has clarified that he had no involvement in FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s proposal to sell stakes in the FIFA World Cup tournament.
Wenger stressed that his role at FIFA is focused solely on football development and does not extend to the organisation’s strategic business decisions.
Speaking to the press, according to Sportskeeda, Wenger outlined his responsibilities, which include overseeing football data analysis, the FIFA online training centre, youth education programmes, and global youth competitions.
“The recent developments at FIFA warrant some clarification from my perspective. At FIFA, I hold the position of Chief of Global Football Development.
“Alongside my team, I manage the data analysis of the game, the FIFA online training center, the advancement of youth education through 60 academies in 60 countries where they are most needed, and youth competitions globally.”
The French football icon also highlighted his work with the International Football Association Board, IFAB, where he serves as a technical adviser and contributes to football law development.
He reiterated that he had no role in the proposed FIFA World Cup investment initiative and welcomed its cancellation.
“Additionally, I serve as a technical adviser to IFAB. I was not involved in this strategic plan and first learned about the project through media coverage. The decision to retract the project was absolutely essential and indisputable, as I strongly advocate for an independent FIFA that is dedicated to our game with commitment, transparency, and integrity.”
Infantino had reportedly sought private investment into FIFA through a proposal to sell stakes linked to the FIFA World Cup, a plan that has since been abandoned.
