Arsene Wenger has come under fire for standing by and allowing FIFA to “sell” the World Cup, which has forced the Arsenal icon to distance himself from the proposal.
Wenger has been working at FIFA since leaving his role as Arsenal manager in 2018 and appears to play an important role within the organisation. This meant many believed proposals of that nature would have passed through him and that he should have stopped them before they reached the public domain.
Wenger Clarifies His Position
However, that did not happen and FIFA president Gianni Infantino has come under serious pressure to resign following the controversial proposal. Other FIFA officials who did not step down and were perceived to have allowed or supported the proposal have also faced significant criticism in recent days.
Wenger has been among those criticised, but he has now explained his role within the organisation to make it clear that he was never involved in the proposal when it was drafted.
Former Arsenal Manager Issues Statement
He said, as reported by Give Me Sport:
“The recent events at FIFA deserve some clarity from my side.
“At FIFA, I am the Chief of Global Football Development.
“Together with my team, I oversee the data analysis of the game, the FIFA online training centre, the development of youth education through 60 academies across 60 countries where they are most needed, and youth competitions around the world.
“In addition, I am a technical adviser to IFAB.
“I was not involved in this strategic plan and first became aware of the project through media reports.
“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’s statement was intended to clarify his responsibilities within FIFA and distance himself from the proposal. He stressed that his work focuses on football development rather than strategic planning, while reaffirming his belief in an independent FIFA that operates with commitment, transparency, and integrity.
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I’ don’t blame Wenger, I to would want to distance myself from that plank Infantino.
Anyone who want’s to buddy up with Trump is a highly dubious character if you ask me.
Yes, Orange man bad.🤦♂️
After a mishap Wenger is accustomed to saying ‘I didn’t see it’. Forgot Gooners?
yeah but in this instance too many are also saying they were not informed
Ha! And he did leave it until after the Dirty Deed was killed off before making his statement.
Mind you, he’s getting on a bit now, so probably not as sharp as he once was.
I know I’m not😏
Leave Wenger alone. His a man with integrity. Infantino should resign. His Trump associate. See what they did to the Somalia referee. He couldn’t take any action. He must go. Resign, step down, sacked / fired, forcefully removal or vote of no confidence….choose one or we give it all to you as a package to take the exit door.
Well it seems that Infantino must have sweet talked those closest to the top of the pile at FIFA, because they’ve backed him to remain as president.
FIFA laughingly is going from defence to attack. They’ve vowed to sue everyone who spreads ‘untrue’ things about them. They are brazenly brave
Amba,
The word I would use, is stupid. Nothing brave about that corrupt lot.