Finger: Canceling Infantino's project was "absolutely necessary"

London, AFP - Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said the decision to abandon FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s controversial project to sell stakes in the World Cup was “absolutely necessary and beyond debate.”

Wenger, who has served as FIFA’s Director of Global Football Development since 2019, became the latest prominent figure to criticize Infantino’s plan on Tuesday.

Infantino had sought to sell a 20% stake in the World Cup to private investors through a company called FIFA Forward Enterprise.

The project drew a wave of criticism against Infantino and was rejected by three continental confederations, forcing the Italian official to abandon his divisive idea.

Wenger, Arsenal’s most successful manager in history, joined the wave of opponents on Tuesday, clarifying that he had opposed the project.

In a statement, he said, “Recent events at FIFA require some clarification from my side.”

He added, “At FIFA, I serve as Director of Global Football Development. Along with my team, I oversee the analysis of game data and the development of FIFA’s e-learning center and youth education through 60 academies in 60 countries where the need is greatest, as well as youth competitions around the world.”

He continued, “I am also a technical advisor to the International Football Association Board (IFAB). I was not involved in this strategic plan and only learned about the project through media reports.”

Wenger’s criticism followed comments by FIFA’s Chief Operating Officer, his fellow Frenchman Kevin Lacombe, who said last week that staff at the global football body had been “deceived” by Infantino.

Several European confederations have withdrawn their support for Infantino in an attempt to ensure he does not remain in power long-term.

Infantino is scheduled to run for re-election in March for a final term as FIFA president and will need 106 votes out of 211 member associations to win.

It is also understood that clubs within the European Club Association have directly contacted FIFA, expressing concern over the project.