Gianni Infantino is set to be challenged for his position as Fifa president next year by the former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, who has the support of prominent European football figures.
Sources close to the 77-year-old Frenchman claim he is considering a run for the presidency, although those close to the veteran say he has yet to make a firm decision.
UEFA could be of great help to Wenger. The organisation has taken a strong stance against Infantino in recent weeks amid heated debate over the dropped bid to auction off commercial rights in the World Cup to private investors.
The Fifa boss apologised for the abandoned initiative but was criticised over the opaque process of how it was conceived. Wenger also disassociated himself from the initiative, saying he had not been part of the deliberations.
Although anger is rising there is still significant backing for Infantino in Africa, Asia and South America, and he remains odds-on favourite to win another four years.
There had been speculation that Wenger had been too old to provide the longevity some fans believed the club needed, with a portion apparently willing to let him stay just for a limited period.
Candidates have until November 18 to declare for March’s election as a challenger to Infantino.
Ramon Vega, the ex-Tottenham defender, and Japan’s Kozo Tashima have already volunteered to challenge for the role.
