FIFA President Gianni Infantino's controversial commercial sell-off proposal has suffered another significant setback after FIFA's Chief of Global Football Development, Arsene Wenger, publicly distanced himself from the plan and backed its withdrawal.

The proposal, which reportedly aimed to raise $4 billion by selling stakes in a new commercial entity responsible for managing the FIFA World Cup to private investors, including members of U.S.

President Donald Trump's extended family, had already sparked widespread criticism from football associations across Europe. Following the backlash, FIFA abandoned the proposal.

Now, Wenger has made it clear that he had no role in the project and only became aware of it through media reports.

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Wenger Backs Withdrawal Of Controversial Proposal

In a strongly worded statement, the former Arsenal manager stressed that his responsibilities at FIFA are focused entirely on football development and not on commercial strategy.

"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," he stated.

Wenger clarified that he had no involvement in the proposal and welcomed its cancellation.

"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 necessary and beyond question, because I firmly believe in an independent FIFA that serves our game with commitment, transparency, and integrity," he added.

His comments represent one of the strongest internal criticisms of the proposal from a senior FIFA official and add further pressure on Infantino's leadership.

Growing Opposition To Infantino

Wenger's remarks come amid increasing resistance from several European football associations over the failed commercial plan.

The Football Association of Wales (FAW) has officially withdrawn its support for Infantino's re-election bid, becoming the first national association to publicly break ranks.

Meanwhile, England's Football Association is also understood to be preparing a formal communication to FIFA confirming that it has changed its position on supporting the FIFA president.

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Pressure On FIFA Leadership

The collapse of the proposed commercial venture has become one of the biggest governance controversies facing FIFA in recent years. Critics argued that introducing private investors into the commercial management of the World Cup could compromise the independence of football's most prestigious tournament.

With Wenger publicly endorsing the withdrawal of the proposal and more European associations distancing themselves from Infantino, pressure is continuing to build ahead of future FIFA governance discussions.