According to the Daily Mail, Arsenal legend Arsène Wenger has been criticized for supporting FIFA President Gianni Infantino, with journalist Wheeler arguing that he has "ruined his own legacy."
Wheeler also wrote that Wenger praised Infantino last February when he completed his 10th year as FIFA president, saying, "Gianni is always ready to move forward and create new ideas. He is open to new perspectives." The author uses this as a starting point to criticize several of the FIFA president's proposals.
The article points out that in recent years, Infantino has pushed for the Qatar World Cup to be held during Christmas, promoted the expansion of the 2026 World Cup to 48 teams, proposed an expansion to 64 teams by 2030, and implemented arrangements such as a mandatory suspension of water replenishment during the World Cup. In addition, he awarded the FIFA Peace Prize to US President Trump, all of which have sparked controversy on both political and sporting levels.
Wheeler believes that Infantino's latest and most dangerous idea is his plan to open up the commercial value of FIFA events to private investors. This £3.1 billion deal has triggered a global crisis and widespread opposition, including threats from UEFA to boycott FIFA events.
The article states that 76-year-old Wenger, in his capacity as FIFA's Director of Global Football Development, stands with Infantino and is a member of his inner circle. Wheeler believes that Wenger may have known about this controversial new plan, and may even have been involved in its design, given his close relationship with Infantino.
Wheeler added that the Frenchman continues to make positive contributions, including overseeing FIFA's £160 million talent development program, helping countries lacking youth professional pathways to develop players, and serving as chairman of the Players' Welfare Task Force. This work continues despite his proposal to change the World Cup to a biennial event.
However, Wheeler believes that Wenger, once seen as a visionary who changed English football, no longer uses his influence to oppose Infantino's self-serving practices, as described in the article. He mentions that Wenger praised the success of the 48-team World Cup format, although he also admitted that not everyone likes water breaks.
The article concludes by questioning Wenger's stance on the "sale" of the World Cup, especially given Infantino's offer of £30 million to member associations if they approved the proposal by September 19th. At this time, global boycotts were escalating, with European countries also threatening a boycott.
Despite FIFA's attempt to de-escalate the crisis with a statement saying, "No one will sell a football. This is not something FIFA will always accept," Wheeler still believes that Infantino is now exposed to the world, and Wenger, instead of standing up to confront him, is "standing firmly behind him." He describes the seasoned Frenchman as "a silent follower, following his master Gianni Infantino," and questions whether the former Arsenal manager is "the real mastermind behind FIFA's insane plans."
