According to a report from BBC Sport, senior figures in European football are pushing for Arsène Wenger to run as a surprise candidate against Gianni Infantino to become the new president of FIFA. The former manager currently holds the responsibility of overseeing youth football in over 60 countries for the world’s football governing body.

Wenger will be one of many offiicals set to convene on Thursday evening as part of the council. This will be the first meeting of the FIFA council since Infantino’s infamous attempt to establish FIFA Forward Enterprise and to commercialise the governing body’s international competitions including the World Cup and Club World Cup. This proposal came with severe backlash for the former UEFA president and has seen calls from Europe, Asia and North America.

Could Wenger become FIFA president?

Although there is support for the former Arsenal manager to become the new president of FIFA, it remains to be seen whether the Frenchman would be interested in standing for the role. When asked by the BBC about his interest in standing as a candidate to become the new president, the global head of football development refused to comment.