For a while now there has been an effort by some Gooners to discredit Arsène Wenger.
Which is bizarre, because you won’t find many fanbases who try to pick on the most successful manager in their history.
Yet some feel that, due to his legacy in the sport, the Frenchman should have taken a moral stance against FIFA’s plans to create a commercial subsidiary.
Why is Wenger expected to carry the burden?
In the last few World Cups we’ve had accusations surrounding corrupt bidding processes, alleged sportswashing, reports from human rights groups about the deaths of migrant workers, concerns that not “everyone was welcome”, online racism, rule changes after direction from the FIFA president, tickets costing thousands of pounds, and much more.
Who went on strike?
The FA? Messi? Ronaldo? Mikel Arteta?
The answer is nobody!
So why is this suddenly the moral hill to die on, and why is the onus on Mr Wenger? That’s not clear to me.
That would have been hard for the 76-year-old to do because, like so many of his peers, he only found out about the plan when it was first reported in the media.
Like many who work for million-pound organisations, you do your job, but you don’t get involved in every business deal your boss is involved in.
If you’re employed in politics, at Facebook, Amazon, healthcare, Costa, or anywhere else, you’re not going to agree with every decision made by those in power.
Wenger was doing the job he was employed to do
One of the 14 executives named in UEFA’s letter this week, Mr Wenger has now felt the need to clarify his role.
He is employed as FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development.
That involves giving players and coaches opportunities to develop across the world, analysing tournament data, and advising the IFAB on potential law changes.
As he stressed on Tuesday, his job is not to find investors who want to buy shares or invest in future tournaments.
So while the FIFA president wasn’t professionally obliged to involve Mr Wenger in meetings with investors, it again shows how the power has gone to the Swissman’s head that he didn’t think one of the executives you shouldn’t leave in the dark was someone of Mr Wenger’s stature.
Especially considering Mr Wenger’s department would be directly impacted by any changes to funding, competitions, and the future direction of the game.
Yet reportedly even the Secretary-General was kept in the dark.
Think about that for a moment.
Infantino didn’t even feel his second-in-command needed to know about a proposal worth billions.
Has power gone to Infantino’s head?
Infantino spent six weeks in America surrounded by world leaders, celebrities, and immense wealth.
His ego has grown, and he acts like FIFA is a country and he’s the king.
In reality, he doesn’t own FIFA. It’s not his, and it’s certainly not his toy. He’s simply been voted in to run the organisation.
Even with his lack of self-awareness, the 56-year-old surely knows that Mr Wenger is perhaps the one man at corporate level you don’t want dismissing your idea.
UEFA, CONCACAF, and the AFC all made it clear over the weekend there wouldn’t be enough votes in favour of the proposal.
His senior adviser has since resigned in protest, and now colleagues are questioning the lack of transparency.
If he had the ability to read a room, he would resign, but that’s Infantino’s problem.
As for Mr Wenger, it’s not the first time some have tried to tarnish his reputation, and it won’t be the first time they’ve failed.
Once a Gunner, always a Gunner.
Dan Smith
Do you agree with Dan’s view? Should Arsène Wenger have been expected to take a public stand, or has he been unfairly criticised over a decision that wasn’t his to make? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
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I would very much appreciate it if people watch the Wenger Invincible documentary.
Try first to learn to know him, what his impact was on our club for 22 years.
You cannot compromise him with something he is not involved in. It’s not done in this club!
Honestly, if people try to tarnish Wenger they cannot be gooners. Real gooners honour a man who served the club for 22 years, who changed culture, norms, value and football the way Cruyff did for Barcelona. He attracted the magicians who played football on a higher level without losing for 49 games in the PL. It will be a record forever.
I can’t imagine that a principal man as AW would be part of this one man show of Blatter 2.0 had he known of it. His role is something completely different.
This is all on Infantino. Wenger and Grafstrom didn’t even know what he was discussing behind the scenes with the wannabe investors.
FIFA has long been corrupt at the head, but this really takes the cake. FIFA doesn’t need private equity investors. Believe me, I have worked with PE companies and football REALLY doesn’t want them. He has been a nightmare for football this last year and should resign.
It’s been as silent as a graveyard😱
Britain and there media houses know how to make mountain from a mud hill. This is not the first time. I know that since they’re not the ones hosting the world cup , any one in that position of FIFA President will be in big trouble. Remember what they did to Sepp Blatter.
I dont want to be tossed around with all these there propaganda
The idea that the FIFA president, with the requisite number of supporters can carry on leading the organisation as a personal fiefdom is what brought the likes of Blatter and now Infantino into disrepute- as individuals and the organisation too. A couple of terms and then bring in another one
There was a very high level resignation early into the story breaking. He said he could sleep easy knowing that the scheme was acted upon in secret and hadn’t been discussed and therefore separated himself from Infantino’s folly.
For me there is nothing to compare with Qatar which, if nothing else, brought the WC to the region for the first time. There are always global issues to contend with for FIFA, but it’s not acceptable for the president to go off-piste the way Infantino did.
So my point is that Arsene Wenger, who I’ve always believed has a high moral compass, was too slow to publicly acknowledge the importance of Infantino secretly securing investment with Ivanka Trump’s brother in law.
By not acting sooner it has given the media and commentators the opportunity to discredit him which as we know, they do with relish
Infantino.. .. HERE WE GO later after the crisis meeting. Untenable at the moment for him and his group. No more trustworthy. He brazenly did an Italian Job. The world needs a better governor who can differentiate between saleable and non saleable treasures. Even it has to be with consensus and inclusiveness for the saleable ones.
FIFA have always been a scumbag organisation ,I believe Wenger went into that role trying to change that but as now got caught up in that creep presidents dealings .
This article was about a Legend named Wenger, that has now gone very political.
Anyway, I’ll try and get us back on track. For me Arsene Wenger didn’t only change Arsenal in many ways, but his ideas have been taken on by others to.
He extended players careers with his way of training, he changed their diets, he produced both winning teams that not only won trophy’s, but produced scintillating football while they did it. He helped good young players into great ones.
Yes he signed some bad players to, but you show me a manger that hasn’t, and I’ll show you a liar.
Wenger always had Arsenal first in his priority’s, and wouldn’t risk the financial health of the club. And he operated with his arms tied to an extent with the Stadium move, but still managed to maintain a top four place in the most part.
So for people trying to belittle him is sad in my opinion. Especially if it’s anyone who claims to be an Arsenal supporter.
Reading Dan’s piece, I have to say I agree with him to a large degree.
Arsene Wenger will always be a legend at the club, no matter who try’s to besmirch his name.
Who exactly on JA is trying to besmirch his name Derek? You wrote convincingly about Wenger’s impact at Arsenal and football in general but suggesting as I did that he was a bit slow off the mark to make his feelings known about Infantino’s “scheme” is the opposite of what I expected from him, bearing in mind that I believe him to have operated in his life and career at high standards. If anything, I thought he’d be one of the first to come out and criticise the proposals.
SueP,
I never suggested anyone on JA besmirched his name. And the fact he never said anything earlier doesn’t mean he agreed with Infantino.
Maybe he was just waiting for the dust to settle before giving the statement that he gave.
Sue, I have read nothing, until this article?
Well Reggie, there have been murmurings about Wenger being silent until recently in the media. He is a high profile figure in FIFA so it definitely struck me as a little odd that he didn’t put his views out there earlier but it’s not a criticism- more an observation. Giving the media the opportunity to create a story out of not very much is par for the course
This Article is correct on every point made.
Arsene Wenger isn’t a Saint – He’s a Human Being
He first heard about this in the Media.
Considering the arrogance with which Infantino has consistently acted that doesn’t surprise me in the least.
Arsene Wenger has always shown a High level of integrity in an industry where only a very small number of people would even be able to spell the word.
The timing of his response – whether he was slow or not, isn’t really the issue, he’s a single individual, not the head of UEFA, (who came straight out and shot the proposal down) or any other Football Association.
He has clearly criticised and shot down the whole fiasco, like just about everyone else in World Football.
Those who should have spoken out against it – and haven’t – are spineless jobsworths – who are worth the job.
To be honest, after Blatter and Infantino – FIFA would do a really smart thing for once if they were to appoint Arsene Wenger as their next President.
I agree with your suggestion. Wenger is a great candidate for now to clean the organization at least temporarily. The rest are more likely the next Blatter or Infantino 2.0.
Yes, the legendary Frenchman is unfairly targeted, hope he distance himself by calling for the resignation of Gianni Infantino and immediately cease the moral ground
Is there a chance that Infetino was trumped.
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cheers for that Michelle
back to the topic. …..
I think Mr Wenger is too smart to want the job
juice isn’t worth the squeeze
Cheers for that Dan
Infantino is a notorious panderer. No more trustworthy. Won’t remain in power if UEFA implements its non cooperation stance. Wenger’s comments puts him at loggerheads with Infantino so I doubt for his future at FIFA. Luis Figo is right in demanding his removal from the presidency
Sadly I read this morning on the BBC Website that senior officials have given their backing to Infantino. They should all hang their heads in shame. It seems there every bit as corrupt as Infantino, sadly.
This was their chance to oust him, and sadly never took it.
Derek, with the senior officials back him it does make me wonder if they really did know about his plans 🤔
*backing him
I thought back him read okay, backing him doesn’t scan as well.
Some of you – if not all of you except me – were so naive if you thought Infantino and his business plans had reached the end of the line.
[insert smug face emoji]
it’s the end of these plans as in the idea won’t be happening
It’s either backing him or backed him. I chose backing.
Let’s see what happens when no UEFA countries take part in FIFA competitions. Pretty sure FIFA will suffer 😁
Moon Girl,
You can insert as many smug face emoji’s you want.
Infantino and his cronies are bad for football. I just hope the likes of UEFA have a back bone and actually carry out the things they’ve said they will do.
Why is it, and you see it in a lot of aspects in life. That people with power turnout to be right planks, whether it be the leader of football in this case. The latest Prime Minister, local mayor’s, the list’s can go on and on.
Why can’t we have genuine people in these positions. Sad, very sad.
but I don’t get the smug face ?
Moon Girl wanted the idea to go ahead ……the idea is not going ahead
yes President hasn’t left yet but it doesn’t change that most got they they wanted
Infantino staying, and it’s on basis his big business plan wasn’t wrong at all, just mishandled at this first attempt at it.
This is where at bottom of page 146 change one line, and re-introduce as a completely different good idea – and if you argue otherwise you are naive.
So Infantino and his plan still in place.
And Viny Jr totally used and embarrassed Arsenal hierarchy and so many fans gullible to think the transfer spin was real.
But I can be magnanimous and grown up about it.
NAH NAH NUR NAAAAAH NAH. 🤣
Didn’t say it was wrong , saying the plan is no longer going ahead
He’s literally said that
So your bizarrely celebrating the idea you wanted ….not happening lol
You are so right Derek.
I see it like this: most heads of FIFA and Olympics have been gangsters, because they only get it through devious arts of politics. And not even that devious – straightforward bribing and blackmail.
It’s 100% like fourteenth century Borgia Popes. All the Cardinals have been bribed, have sinned, and rely so much on the Pope staying in place.
So when experts on news saying Papa Infantino now in trouble, will be forced out, my sides were splitting at the naivety.
It will need someone with an impeccable resume to stand against Infantino if the corruption is to be severed from the head downwards.
I have no idea how Infantino survived in that meeting, es pecially if individuals maintained their personal stance on how things unfolded.
He betrayed his own board and one wonders if Infantino has something on various on individuals as well?
In my opinion, there are two possible names that, if put forward to challenge Infantino, would get backing from the footballing world and they are Arsene Wenger and Pep Guardiola.
I’m sick and tired of watching rich people grift on the back of everyday regular football fans and I support EUFA and any other association that will continue to hold Infantino responsible.
I thought Blatter was the worst of the worst, but Infantino takes the biscuit and he’s better at covering his tracks it seems.
Ken, the head of the Norwegian FA, Lise Klaveness is apparently a good bet to challenge Infantino when the next vote is due to take place.
Another excellent name to put forward HD – Surely Infantino cannot survive after all this scandalous behaviour?
Ken, hopefully there’s some serious names put forward in November for the President of FIFA vote in March.
Apparently FIFPRO have come out against Infantino as well so there’s no certainty that he can hang in there. There has to be a fixed term to these roles. Blatter was no different; it seems that the power they wield goes to their heads and their bank accounts
SueP, the next vote for President takes place next March.
Herr Drier,
Just think of the damage Infantino could do in those eight months.
doesn’t have to be that long peeps
Derek, not sure he can do any damage now, seeing as so many are against what he wanted to do.
Herr Drier,
I hope you’re right. 👍
your right Sue in the sense of if 43 nations demand it in writing they can demand a Congress meeting
Bear in mind UEFA itself has 55 members
then at that meeting you would need 106 out of 211 votes to get him out
this though is where UEFA need to be careful as they will only do that if they think they got enough votes elsewhere
They are wary ( because they have some of the most high profile teams ) to not be seen to be trying to take over
Ken1945,
I agree with you’re every word. Good to see you posting again. 👍
UEFA v FIFA.
If UEFA continue with its boycott 12 European teams of the total 32 won’t be participating in the next Women WC in June 2027 that Brazil host.
A movie without actor/actress
I’ve just read on the BBC Website that Mexico have come out along with Argentina in support of Infantino.
Argentina, now why doesn’t that surprise me.
Those countries who were given WC hosting rights normally are pro Infantino such as Qatar Morocco and now Mexico. Argentina have to repay for getting favorable ref decisions and for FIFA’s leniency to their political messaging
Water closets. He’s bought them off with water closets.
Wot happened to the 40 pieces of silver
With regards to the debate Dan and Matthew had, let sleeping dogs lie – suffice it to say there is still racism in football.
Until different Associations get serious and start docking points from clubs who repeatedly do this, or ban countries from entering competitions, idiots and thugs will carry on with impunity.
As for Dan, we agree to disagree on quite a few subjects, but we are both 100% Gooners, as I’m sure you are Mathew.
Let’s just enjoy JA and the, hopefully, continued success of our club.
Off to the Emirates this Sunday – Club level treat – fish and chips before the game in the ground – going with my grandson – blue badge parking in the Emirates itself – maybe see Bruno in the famous red and white?
Can’t wait to hear all about your day Ken – enjoy!
👍 With some pictures as well Michelle
Love you ken1945. Wish you all the best Gooner!!!
unless it’s Mr Wenger mate , that we do agree on
Enjoy Sunday
just think…..you know when you do round the stadium where they picture each trophy we have won …..get a picture of 2026 and The Prem
Good plan
Ken1945,
Forget the pictures of the trophy’s. Take some pictures of the Fish and Chips, Yum. 😂🤣👍
Where is the title winner Stephanie who defeated all to become JA title holder? Pro or against Infantino? Views?
Europe please give us the World Freedom. Simple apology is never enough to erase Infantino’s 4bn errors that belittled the majority of the world’s population. That man Infantino relied heavily on extraneous political power to remain in power. He gave contracts to the Trump family. Bronze of England is protesting Infantino’s megalomania