Arsene Wenger has broken his silence on the controversy surrounding Gianni Infantino’s abandoned World Cup investment plans as a leaked internal FIFA message revealed the scale of concern inside football’s governing body following one of the biggest crises of the president’s tenure.
The former Arsenal manager welcomed the decision to scrap the proposals, while FIFA secretary general Mattias Grafstrom sought to reassure staff after describing recent events as both “sad” and “difficult to comprehend”.
According to Sky News, an internal email was sent by Grafstrom to FIFA employees following the collapse of the controversial project, which would have seen stakes sold in a new commercial company linked to the World Cup.
The message comes as pressure continues to mount on Infantino, with several football associations, including England and Wales, withdrawing support for his re-election.
Grafstrom, who oversees FIFA’s day-to-day administration, acknowledged the unrest generated by the failed plans but urged employees to remain focused on the organisation’s wider responsibilities.
He wrote: “A sad and reproachable series of events – which were thankfully concluded with the FFE project permanently abandoned – for as much as we feel dismayed by them, should not overshadow this reality.”
The secretary general also admitted staff had been caught up in extraordinary circumstances.
“We have all been thrown into the middle of a turmoil, which is difficult to comprehend and accept, but, as Secretary General, I urge you to remain focused on what has always united us: serving football and serving our 211 Member Associations, hand in hand with all relevant stakeholders and in full compliance with the FIFA Statutes and FIFA Regulations,” he added.
Arsene Wenger has broken his silence on the controversy surrounding Gianni Infantino’s abandoned World Cup investment plans as a leaked internal FIFA message revealed the scale of concern inside football’s governing body following one of the biggest crises of the president’s tenure
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Grafstrom sought to reassure employees that they would be protected from the political uncertainty surrounding the organisation.
The FIFA chief continued: “I assure you that you as members of the administration, you will be defended and safeguarded from the political context we currently experience. You do not need to worry.
“Individuals, unstable moments and unfortunate episodes come and go.
“The institution, its mission and its responsibility towards world football continue, and that is why we should always keep our professionalism, sense of perspective and composure.”
Arsene Wenger has a close relationship with FIFA chief Gianni Infantino | PA
The internal message was sent after Infantino abandoned plans to create FIFA Forward Enterprise, a new company that would have controlled major commercial assets including World Cup broadcasting, sponsorship, licensing and ticketing rights before selling a stake to private investors.
The proposals sparked fierce opposition across world football, triggering a growing revolt against Infantino’s leadership and prompting calls for sweeping governance reforms.
Wenger, who now serves as FIFA’s chief of global football development, has also addressed the controversy for the first time.
“The decision to withdraw the project was absolutely necessary and beyond question, because I firmly believe in an independent FIFA that serves our game with commitment, transparency, and integrity,” the Frenchman said.
Despite holding one of FIFA’s most senior football positions, Wenger stressed he had played no part in developing the proposals.
Gianni Infantino is facing a huge fight to remain as FIFA president | REUTERS
He said he “was not involved in this strategic plan and first became aware of the project through media reports”.
Grafstrom, meanwhile, concluded his message by thanking staff for their professionalism during a turbulent period.
“The last week has been both extraordinary and challenging for all the members of FIFA staff in our offices around the world,” he wrote, adding that he would continue supporting employees “every hour of every day for as long as my work is valued by those we serve.”
The latest developments come as opposition to Infantino continues to grow, with England, Wales and several leading European football associations having now publicly withdrawn confidence in FIFA’s current leadership following the abandoned World Cup plans.
