What happened: Wenger supported FIFA’s withdrawal of a World Cup stake-selling plan

Arsène Wenger supported FIFA’s withdrawal of President Gianni Infantino’s controversial plan involving the sale of stakes in the World Cup. Wenger said the withdrawal was “absolutely necessary” and “beyond question,” and linked the decision to the principles of independence, transparency, and integrity in football governance.

Background and earlier position: a stakes-selling proposal connected to FIFA leadership

The controversy centres on President Gianni Infantino’s proposal to sell stakes associated with the World Cup. Wenger’s position treats the stakes-selling approach as raising concerns about whether FIFA leadership can keep football governance independent from private financial interests, and maintain institutional trust.

What changed now: FIFA withdrew the controversial World Cup stake-selling plan

FIFA withdrew President Gianni Infantino’s controversial plan involving the sale of stakes in the World Cup. Wenger’s endorsement presents the withdrawal as a governance safeguard aimed at protecting independence, transparency, and integrity.