FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development, Arsène Wenger, has declared that the decision to abandon the controversial proposal to introduce private investment into FIFA competitions was “absolutely necessary and beyond question.”

The plan, championed by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, sought to establish a commercial subsidiary to manage FIFA’s flagship tournaments, including the FIFA World Cup, while allowing external investors to purchase ownership stakes.

As part of the proposal, Infantino reportedly offered FIFA’s 211 member associations $40 million (£30 million) each in exchange for their support.

However, the plan sparked widespread backlash, with UEFA’s 55 member nations threatening to boycott all FIFA competitions. Following days of mounting criticism, Infantino was forced to withdraw the proposal.

Addressing the controversy, Wenger distanced himself from the initiative and clarified that he had no involvement in developing the plan. He also confirmed that, unlike senior adviser Carlos Cordeiro, he had no intention of resigning.

In a statement, Wenger said:

“The recent events at FIFA deserve some clarity from my side. 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 is among 18 FIFA officials named in a document preservation letter sent by UEFA to FIFA as the European governing body considers possible legal action over the proposal.

Meanwhile, Carlos Cordeiro remains the only FIFA official to resign over the controversy, describing the investment plan as “a bad deal for football” that would “mortgage football’s future.”