FIFA executive Arsène Wenger on Tuesday (August 4, 2026) distanced himself from Gianni Infantino’s failed plan to sell stakes in future World Cup profits to private investors and said it was “absolutely necessary” to drop the proposal.

Wenger’s statement on the controversy came after a letter from UEFA’s lawyers to Infantino threatening legal action named the French coaching great among 18 executives whose data and communications should be retained as potential evidence.

“I was not involved in this strategic plan and first became aware of the project through media reports,” said Wenger, who was hired by Infantino in 2019 and is FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development.

The statement by the former Arsenal coach did not name Infantino.

“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,” Wenger wrote.

Infantino withdrew his $20 billion proposal early on Saturday (August 1) after a furious backlash by global soccer officials, including European body UEFA warning of a boycott of all FIFA games and events.

FIFA on Tuesday (August 4, 2026) dismissed as “pure ‌fiction” a report that its President Gianni Infantino had ​sought support from U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration after ⁠the collapse of a plan to sell a stake in World Cup commercial rights.

The denial came after the New York Post reported on Monday (August 3) ‌that Infantino had repeatedly tried and failed to reach Mr. Trump by phone since his proposal was abandoned on ‌Friday (July 31) and that he felt isolated amid mounting criticism.

“The ‌FIFA ⁠President has not made any call to the U.S. ⁠President, or any members of his administration, in recent days. It is pure fiction,” FIFA said in a statement to Reuters.

The backlash has intensified over Infantino’s ​failed plan to spin off ‌the world football governing body’s commercial assets into a new entity backed by private investors.

FIFA’s proposal to unlock up to $4.2 billion from private investors by selling a roughly 20% stake in ‌an entity overseeing competitions including the World Cup collapsed ​after strong resistance from stakeholders.

With the plan shelved, attention has turned to the potential repercussions for Infantino, whose ⁠prospects of securing another term as FIFA president from 2027 to 2031 have come under increased scrutiny.

Mr. Trump and Infantino have forged a ‌close relationship, appearing together at major soccer events including this year’s World Cup co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.

Infantino presented Trump with the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize in December 2025, making him the first recipient of the award.

The relationship attracted further attention because Thrive Capital — founded by Joshua Kushner, the brother ‌of Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner — had been expected to play a leading ​role in the proposed commercial rights venture.

The New York Post also reported that Infantino had scheduled private talks ⁠with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. However, U.S. Assistant Secretary of ⁠State for Global Public Affairs Dylan Johnson said in a post on X on Monday (August 3) that there were ‌no plans for Rubio to speak with the 56-year-old FIFA president.

Infantino has taken to Instagram to amplify messages of support ​from member federations including Sri Lanka, Kuwait, Qatar, and Morocco.