--- title: "Fifa Council to Discuss Governance Reforms Amid Criticism of Infantino's Leadership" url: https://noti.group/fifa-council-to-discuss-governance-reforms-amid-criticism/ language: en publisher: "Noti Group" section: "Sports" published: 2026-10-15T06:35:39.000Z updated: 2026-10-15T10:28:25.156Z id: 389295ae-2f7f-4e1b-a6de-ce13cad0b12d source: "BBC Sport https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cx30e8dqmnzgo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss" attribution: "Link to https://noti.group/fifa-council-to-discuss-governance-reforms-amid-criticism/ and name Noti Group when you quote or summarize this story." --- # Fifa Council to Discuss Governance Reforms Amid Criticism of Infantino's Leadership A surprise challenge to Gianni Infantino's re-election as Fifa president is gaining momentum ahead of a crucial meeting this week. A surprise challenge to Gianni Infantino's re-election as Fifa president is gaining momentum, with senior figures within European football calling for former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger to run against him. Wenger has been the governing body's head of global development since 2019, and some are questioning whether he would be willing to take on his own boss. However, those pushing for him to stand as a candidate say he is being seriously considered. A meeting of the Fifa Council this Thursday will bring Infantino face-to-face with some of his most vocal critics, who have been calling for him to step down due to concerns over governance and the recent controversy surrounding the Fifa Forward Enterprise (FFE) scheme. Infantino's plan to sell commercial stakes in the World Cup has sparked widespread criticism, leading to renewed calls for greater transparency within the organisation. His FFE scheme is expected to be a major point of contention at Thursday's meeting. The Fifa Council will also discuss proposals for an increased budget of $3.4bn (£2.6bn) for football development, as well as governance reforms and disciplinary procedures in the wake of high-profile cases such as the Folarin Balogun affair. The search for a credible challenger to Infantino's presidency has been ongoing, but so far none have emerged as strong contenders. In fact, top candidates such as Victor Montagliani and Aleksander Ceferin have expressed disinterest in running against the incumbent president. This lack of opposition has allowed Infantino to maintain his grip on power by touring the world and securing support from key regions like Africa, South America, and Oceania. As a result, there is growing expectation that he will be re-elected despite lacking the backing of roughly half of Fifa's 211 member associations. The only candidate to have publicly declared their intention to run is Ramon Vega, a former Tottenham defender, although his chances are seen as slim by many. Wenger, who has been a senior member of Fifa's management team since leaving Arsenal in 2018, was spotted dining with Infantino and other council members on Wednesday evening. His presence at Thursday's meeting will undoubtedly be closely watched, particularly given the speculation surrounding his potential candidacy. When asked about Wenger's intentions via Fifa, no comment was provided. Those close to the former manager are also tight-lipped about whether he is interested in running against Infantino, fueling further speculation and intrigue ahead of Thursday's crucial meeting. Wenger's potential candidacy has sparked a mix of opinions within FIFA circles. Some officials are skeptical about his intentions, but there are also those who believe he would be an ideal candidate for the role due to his respect and influence beyond Europe. A senior official from a European national association praised Wenger's understanding of football development, stating that he "truly understands football development because he's been running it". Wenger's experience working in Asia, particularly in Japan, has also earned him recognition and respect in regions outside of Europe. His ability to connect with people from different backgrounds is seen as a major asset for the role. Wenger's decision to remain in his role at Fifa has been met with surprise by some, given his public criticism of the organization's leadership. In his position, Wenger oversees youth development programs in 60 countries and is also a technical adviser to the International Football Association Board (Ifab), which sets rules for the game worldwide. His proposals have sparked controversy in the past, including suggestions for biennial World Cups and a 'daylight' offside law. Wenger's potential candidacy for Fifa presidency has sparked both enthusiasm and skepticism within the organization. According to insiders, many of Fifa's staff believe that Wenger could revitalize the organization's image if he were to run. However, not everyone shares this optimism. Some officials have expressed doubts about Wenger's ability to lead the organization effectively. One insider questioned whether Wenger would even consider running against Gianni Infantino, who appointed him in the first place. The idea of Wenger serving a single term to introduce reforms has been floated by some as a potential compromise. While he is widely respected for his work on development programs and has a strong reputation within the sport, there are concerns that he may not be equipped to navigate the complex politics involved in running Fifa. Wenger's legacy in English football is that of a trailblazer who introduced innovative tactics and nutrition programs, leaving an indelible mark on the sport. The possibility of him attempting to bring about change at Fifa is certainly an intriguing one, as Infantino has hinted at openness to discussions regarding reform. --- Source: [BBC Sport](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cx30e8dqmnzgo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss) Published by Noti Group: https://noti.group/fifa-council-to-discuss-governance-reforms-amid-criticism/