Wenger says FIFA must scrap private investment plan

FIFA’s chief of global football development, former Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger, has confirmed that the governing body’s decision to abandon plans for private investment in its competitions was “absolutely necessary.” The move follows a review of the organisation’s commercial strategy, which had previously aimed to bring in external investors to support the growth of international tournaments and grassroots programmes.

Wenger, who oversees FIFA’s development initiatives worldwide, said the scrapping of the private‑investment model was driven by a need to protect the integrity of the sport and ensure that commercial interests do not compromise the fairness and accessibility of FIFA competitions. He added that the decision aligns with the federation’s broader commitment to sustainable growth and equitable resource distribution across member associations.

The announcement comes as FIFA continues to evaluate its commercial and governance frameworks in the wake of recent scrutiny over transparency and financial management. While the federation has not yet outlined a replacement strategy, Wenger’s statement underscores a shift toward more internally controlled development pathways for the game’s future.