Ex-Crystal Palace chairman Simon Jordan: Arsene Wenger is intelligent and could challenge Infantino

Former Crystal Palace chairman Simon Jordan has urged Arsene Wenger to run for FIFA president against Gianni Infantino, according to talkSPORT.

Infantino's position remains under significant pressure, even after the World Cup-related controversies subsided during the summer.

His establishment of the FIFA Peace Award, a phone call with Trump regarding Balague's red card at the 2026 World Cup, and the subsequent exposure of plans to sell FIFA Events (FFE) shares all drew backlash from the football community.

The Italian later scrapped the FFE plan but shows no intention of resigning, instead preparing to run for FIFA president again.

However, external criticism continues, and UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin recently spoke out once more.

In a speech at the European Club Association (ECA) general assembly, Čeferin did not name Infantino directly but strongly suggested that FIFA needs to change.

Čeferin said: "The emperor was convinced that he was wearing wonderful clothes. Clothes that were invisible to anyone foolish or unqualified. His courtiers mimicked this too. But a child simply stated the truth that everyone could see: the emperor was naked. The lesson from this story is perhaps this: no matter how comforting the words, they cannot change an uncomfortable reality."

Čeferin added: "Think about it. He established a peace award for political leaders, yet his own board had no involvement whatsoever in its creation or the selection of recipients."

"And during the world's biggest football event, a phone call comes from the same political leader expressing displeasure with a decision on the field. The rules are clear, yet a single phone call changes the decision. Well, ladies and gentlemen, I think it's time to say: enough is enough."

Could Wenger replace Infantino?

The FIFA Council will meet in October, with the next presidential election scheduled for March 2027.

But will voters heed Čeferin's call and say "enough is enough"? If so, who would succeed Infantino?

talkSPORT's Simon Jordan agrees with Čeferin that FIFA needs to change, believing the presidential succession cycle has been corrupted by power.

Jordan said: "Čeferin's words resonate. What we're seeing is Infantino's attitude and how he's been swept up in his own power and influence."

"This is a structural problem. If this system keeps promoting people to high positions who aren't fulfilling their original role, and FIFA as a non-profit has the sole responsibility to preserve football's values, how can we allow these people to be sent to such positions repeatedly, with this cycle repeating at each subsequent election?"

Jordan then encouraged Wenger to run for president, urging that his values and love for football should govern FIFA.

The Arsenal legend has served as FIFA's Chief of Global Football Development since 2019, and his influence on football and proposals regarding new rules are highly regarded.

Jordan said: "I think he's the man for the job right now. Let Čeferin, or someone like him, challenge Infantino. Or let Wenger."

What has Wenger said about Infantino?

Last month, Wenger released a statement denying any involvement in Infantino's controversial FFE plan.

Wenger said: "I need to clarify a few things regarding recent events at FIFA."

"At FIFA, I am the Chief of Global Football Development."

"My team and I are responsible for match data analysis, the FIFA Online Training Centre, and advancing youth development education through 60 academies across 60 countries, as well as managing global youth tournaments."

"Additionally, I serve as technical advisor to the International Football Association Board (IFAB)."

"I was not involved in this strategic plan and only learned about it through media reports."

"The decision to withdraw the project was absolutely necessary and indisputable, because I firmly believe that an independent FIFA should serve football with dedication, transparency, and integrity."

Jordan said: "Wenger will distance himself from Infantino's words and actions, just as Kanye distanced himself from Will.i.am."

"Wenger values the purity of football and the value it brings to society."

"A person like Wenger... he's an extremely intelligent man. If you want a different outcome, you should stand up and challenge Infantino."