Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has welcomed FIFA’s decision to abandon its controversial private investment proposal, insisting withdrawing the plan was “absolutely necessary” following widespread opposition across world football. The Frenchman, who has served as FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development since 2019, issued a statement after governing body president Gianni Infantino dropped the proposal amid mounting criticism. FIFA’s 211 member associations had each been offered around $40 million (£30 million) in return for backing the proposal. Faced with growing opposition, FIFA withdrew the proposal before any formal vote could take place. Although Wenger has firmly rejected any association with the abandoned plan, he remains a central figure within FIFA through his work on global football development, youth competitions and technical innovation.