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Arsène Wenger is expected to decide by the end of this week whether to challenge Gianni Infantino for the FIFA presidency.
People close to the former Arsenal manager say Wenger is considering entering the race before the deadline for candidates to declare on Wednesday, 18 November.
The election will take place in March next year, although Wenger has yet to say publicly that he intends to stand.
The 77-year-old has been encouraged to enter the contest by senior figures in European football, with UEFA seeking a credible alternative to Infantino.
Some of Wenger’s colleagues within FIFA are also understood to favour him mounting a challenge.
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Wenger has worked as FIFA’s chief of global football development since November 2019. His contract expires at the end of this year, although the governing body wants him to remain.
His potential candidacy comes after relations between Infantino and senior figures in European football deteriorated over his plans to sell-off the World Cup.
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
Wenger distanced himself from the plan, which was subsequently abandoned.
Those close to Wenger nevertheless still consider Infantino the favourite to secure a fourth and final term.
A challenger with Wenger’s profile could provide a significant test of the incumbent president’s support, but there is no suggestion that entering the race would automatically make him favourite to win it.
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Any candidate must secure the backing of five national associations before standing.
Former Tottenham defender Ramon Vega and Japan Football Association honorary president Kozo Tashima have already announced their intention to stand.
Wenger now has only days to decide whether to join them.
Arsene Wenger holding up the gold Premier League trophy awarded for the 2003/04 title-winning season
