Emmanuel Petit Supports Arsene Wenger to Become FIFA President
October 14, 2026 ·
Emmanuel Petit supports Arsene Wenger to run for FIFA President, but he doubts the ability to change the existing football system.
Emmanuel Petit Supports Arsene Wenger to Become FIFA President
According to Vnexpress.
Background
Arsene Wenger, known for his long coaching spell at Arsenal, is now the Director of Football Development at FIFA. His experience in dealing with UEFA and FIFA while leading Arsenal provided a strong foundation for his political ambitions in world football organizations. Petit, who is a former Wenger player, highlighted the importance of leadership positions to drive change in the existing football system.
Why this is important
Emmanuel Petit's support for Arsene Wenger to run for FIFA President shows recognition of Wenger's experience and knowledge in the world of football. Despite doubts about the ability to change the existing system, Wenger's arrival at FIFA as Director of Football Development could have a significant impact on the direction of the organisation. It also reflects hopes for positive changes in global football, which could influence future seasons and FIFA policies.
Main Points
- Emmanuel Petit Supports Arsene Wenger to Become FIFA President.
- Emmanuel Petit supports Arsene Wenger to run for FIFA President, but he doubts the ability to change the existing football system.
- Wenger's history with FIFA.
Emmanuel Petit, former Arsenal midfielder, gave his support to Arsene Wenger to run for FIFA President in March 2027. Petit believes that Wenger has enough knowledge and experience to bring about change in this world football organization, although he also admits that the current football system is difficult to change.
In an interview on talkSPORT's White & Jordan program on October 12, Petit said, "I have had great respect for Arsene during his time as coach, and we have had a long relationship. He has repeatedly gone toe-to-toe with UEFA and FIFA to defend the interests of the club and players while in charge of Arsenal."
As Director of Football Development at FIFA, Wenger is scheduled to watch the match between PSG and Arsenal in the 2025-2026 UEFA Champions League final which will take place at the Puskas Stadium, Hungary, on 30 May 2026. Petit, who is Wenger's former player at Monaco (1988-1994) and Arsenal (1997-2000), is of the view that Wenger's move to join FIFA after leaving Arsenal may be part of a long-term plan to reach the top position in the organization that.
"If you want to change something in football, you need to be in the highest position, with the power to do that," added Petit. Wenger left Arsenal in 2018, ending almost 22 years in charge at the London club. A year later, he joined FIFA as Director of Global Football Development, responsible for various initiatives to develop the sport internationally.
Petit believes that Wenger's experience at FIFA gave him a deep understanding of the organisation's structure, influential figures and how decisions are made. It would be a huge advantage if Wenger decided to run for FIFA President. However, Petit expressed his disagreement with several controversial proposals that Wenger has put forward, including the idea of holding the World Cup every two years instead of the current four.
"I hope there will be changes, but I'm not naive. I know this system will not be easy to change," Petit said. Despite his skepticism, he still wants to see Wenger replace Gianni Infantino. "Wenger's experience in football is an advantage compared to the current FIFA president."
Gianni Infantino is planned to run again at the 77th FIFA Congress which will take place in Rabat, Morocco in March 2027. He is seeking support for another term after several national football federations withdrew their support. One federation that withdrew support was the English FA, after the FIFA Forward Enterprise plan failed. The initiative focuses on selling private stakes in tournaments such as the World Cup.
Ramon Vega, the former Tottenham defender, is another confirmed candidate in the race. Victor Montagliani, President of CONCACAF, is also considering challenging Infantino. However, Simon Jordan, former President of Crystal Palace, doubts that Wenger will stand as a candidate. Jordan believes that leaving his current position to compete as FIFA President could reduce Wenger's influence in the development of football which is his current responsibility.
"I don't think Infantino will leave anytime soon. If he hasn't been beaten by now, I don't think it will happen before February," said Jordan. When Petit asked about Wenger's chances, Jordan replied that he did not believe Wenger would run. According to election rules, candidates must submit documents before November 18 and obtain the support of at least five FIFA member federations.
Wenger, who is now 76 years old, is known for the three Premier League titles and seven FA Cups he won with Arsenal. He is known for his philosophy of player development, improving training methods, and building competitive teams.
What happened next
With the FIFA Presidential election scheduled for March 2027, Wenger may prepare strategic steps for his campaign. Petit stated that to make any meaningful changes, Wenger needed to be at the top, indicating that this move was part of a long-term plan. Meanwhile, attention will be on how Wenger can use his experience to influence FIFA policy and its impact on clubs like Arsenal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who supports Arsene Wenger to become FIFA President?
Emmanuel Petit, former Arsenal midfielder, provides support to Arsene Wenger.
What is Arsene Wenger's current position at FIFA?
Arsene Wenger currently serves as Director of Football Development at FIFA.
When will Wenger watch the UEFA Champions League final?
Wenger is scheduled to watch the UEFA Champions League final on May 30 2026.
What did Petit say about Wenger's experience at FIFA?
Petit believes that Wenger's experience at FIFA gave him a deep understanding of organizational structures and how decisions are made.
When will Arsene Wenger leave Arsenal?
Arsene Wenger left Arsenal in 2018 after almost 22 years in charge.
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