Arsène Wenger running for FIFA presidency is a potential full circle moment

Arsène Wenger has been tipped by former Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Petit to run for FIFA president ahead of next year's election.

Gianni Infantino has come under fire for his actions in the role with his position expected to be at great threat when he stands for re-election in March, but his Chief of Global Football Development has now been put forward as a potential replacement.

It may be a bit far-fetched that the ex-Gunners boss will actually run for FIFA president, but if he does make the decision to do so, an election victory could prove to be a full circle moment in his career.

Emmanuel Petit backs Arsène Wenger for FIFA presidency

Speaking on talkSPORT, Petit said: "When he was a manager, Arsene, I had a huge respect and we have a long relationship between us. But when he was a manager, I remember how many times he was fighting against UEFA or FIFA for any decisions and he was always protecting the club interest and the players.

"Now that he stopped and joined FIFA, maybe he’s playing a role actually. Keeping his head down and not making any noise, trying to walk step by step until the top. That’s probably his strategy because I was very surprised when he joined FIFA, but now he represents himself.

"He was so close to Infantino since he arrived at FIFA, that I’m quite surprised. Now, maybe I understand why he joined FIFA, for this moment. I think if you want to change something in football then you need to get on top of it, to get the power to change it.

"[Michel] Platini tried to do that and he was kicked off very easily. So I don’t know, but I’m very happy he’s putting his name on the next election because Infantino, the door is over there."

Wenger has been FIFA's Chief of Global Football Development since the position was established in November 2019 and he could now go up against the man who put him in the role if his nomination is submitted by 18 November.

Wenger becoming FIFA president would be a full circle moment

When Wenger was named as Arsenal manager in 1996, he was a relative unknown to the average English football fan with the media joining the Gunners fanbase's question of "Arsène who?"

However, his introduction to the Premier League completely revolutionised how the North Londoners and the rest of the English top flight approached the beautiful game with his impact eventually being felt across the football world.

He changed how players trained, their lifestyle and eating habits, and also the playing style of Arsenal with his arrival to the league also being a turning point for foreign managers as he joined Chelsea's Ruud Gullit as one of two non-British managers.

Wenger now has the opportunity to make such changes on a global scale with FIFA seemingly needing a fresh face to come in and shake things up amid Infantino's controversial tenure as president.

Alleged political interference during the 2026 World Cup and the proposal to commercialise FIFA competitions has landed the current boss in hot water, but Wenger could be the man needed to change the way the federation is viewed.

The Frenchman changed English football for the better with his methods upon arrival at Arsenal from Nagoya Grampus Eight and he can now do it on a global scale by rescuing FIFA as their next president, in what would be a true full circle moment in his career.

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