Arsene Wenger: Scrapping FIFA's private investment plan was 'absolutely necessary'

FIFA's chief of global football development Arsene Wenger has stated that the decision to scrap plans for private investment in FIFA competitions was "absolutely necessary and beyond question."

FIFA president Gianni Infantino had proposed creating a commercial subsidiary to manage major events, including the World Cup, allowing external investors to purchase stakes. The plan included an offer of $40m to each of FIFA's 211 member associations in exchange for their support.

However, the proposal faced significant backlash, with UEFA's 55 nations threatening a boycott of all FIFA tournaments. Following the criticism, Infantino was forced to withdraw the project. Wenger, who has served in his role since 2019, clarified that he was not involved in the strategic planning and only learned of the project through media reports.

The decision to withdraw the project was absolutely necessary and beyond question, because I firmly believe in an independent FIFA that serves our game with commitment, transparency, and integrity. Arsene Wenger

Wenger's statement emphasized the need for transparency within the governing body. The scandal previously led to the resignation of Carlos Cordeiro, Infantino's senior adviser, who described the proposal as "a bad deal for football" that would risk the future of the game.