Arsene Wenger Breaks Silence On Gianni Infantino's Scrapped FIFA World Cup Privatisation Plan: 'Absolutely Necessary'

Arsène Wenger said that scrapping FIFA’s abandoned plan to attract private investment into its major tournaments was “absolutely necessary.” Speaking as FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development, Wenger said he had no role in developing the proposal and learned about it through media reports. He reiterated his responsibilities, including data analysis, the FIFA online training centre, and youth education efforts through 60 academies across 60 countries, plus youth competitions. Wenger also described his advisory position to IFAB as technical and separate from FIFA’s strategic investment idea. The plan, reportedly promoted by Gianni Infantino, involved possible $40 million incentives for member associations and faced strong opposition, leading FIFA to withdraw it amid growing scrutiny of leadership.