Could Wenger really take on Infantino and run for Fifa presidency?

Key points

• Gianni Infantino looks increasingly likely to be re-elected unopposed for a fourth and final term as Fifa president next year.
• Senior European football figures have told BBC Sport they want Arsene Wenger, Fifa's head of global development, to run against his own boss.
• Wenger, 76, has until 18 November to declare a candidacy and would need nominations from at least five national associations.

Gianni Infantino appears increasingly likely to be re-elected unopposed for a fourth and final term as Fifa president next year, despite the backlash over his failed plan to sell commercial stakes in the World Cup to private investors. Senior figures within European football have told BBC Sport they want former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger to run as a surprise candidate.

Wenger has been Fifa's head of global development since 2019. It remains unclear whether he would challenge his own boss, and when BBC Sport asked about his intentions via Fifa, no comment was provided.

Council meets in Zurich

The Fifa Council meets on Thursday for the first time since the emergence of Infantino's Fifa Forward Enterprise scheme plunged the organisation into crisis. That plan led to calls from the game's leaders in Europe, North America and Asia for Infantino to step down, and the meeting in Zurich could be a tense gathering.

Fifa is set to propose a $3.4bn (£2.6bn) increase in money for football development. Infantino will also face scrutiny over governance reforms, FFE, the awarding of the inaugural Fifa Peace Prize last year to US President Donald Trump, and disciplinary procedures after the Folarin Balogun affair.

I was not involved in this strategic plan and first became aware of the project through media reports.

— Arsene Wenger

Support and scepticism for Wenger

Potential rivals such as Concacaf president Victor Montagliani and Uefa chief Aleksander Ceferin have let it be known they are not contenders. The only person to declare an intention to run so far is former Tottenham defender Ramon Vega, although few rate his chances.

Wenger is said to have supporters who believe he commands respect beyond Europe. One senior official at a European national association called him "an ideal candidate, but he is his own man", while another well-connected figure said he would be "amazed if Wenger would rise up against the man who appointed him in the first place".