FIFA executive and former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has publicly distanced himself from FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s controversial plan to sell stakes in future World Cup profits to private investors. Wenger described the decision to abandon the proposal as “absolutely necessary.”

Wenger’s statement on Tuesday, August 4th, 2026, followed a preservation letter sent by UEFA to FIFA, confirmed to Al Jazeera by the European football governing body. The letter requests that data and communications of 18 executives, including Wenger, be retained as potential evidence related to the plan.

According to reports by the Associated Press, UEFA’s lawyers have named Wenger among those whose information should be preserved. Wenger clarified that his FIFA responsibilities focus on overseeing data analysis of the game, managing the FIFA online training centre, developing youth education through 60 academies across 60 countries, and organizing youth competitions worldwide.

The plan, revealed by Infantino to FIFA management just one week after the July 19th final of the financially successful World Cup in North America, aimed to monetize future World Cup revenues. The 2023-2026 commercial cycle generated $15 billion, nearly double the income from the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Meanwhile, support for Infantino’s leadership has waned, with England reportedly set to follow Wales in withdrawing backing. European Leagues have also expressed surprise, with their head stating that “nobody knew” about the commercial plan.

Sources