Simon Jordan believes that Wenger is the ideal candidate to succeed Infantino as FIFA president.
Gianni Infantino had previously pushed for the creation of FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), attempting to consolidate the commercial and operational services of the World Cup into a single independent entity and allow all FIFA's 211 member associations to share the commercial revenue. However, this plan was opposed by UEFA and other football governing bodies and was ultimately forced to be withdrawn.
It is understood that if the plan is approved, each member association will receive $20 million, and the remaining shares will be sold to private investors, allowing them to participate in decision-making regarding the future business affairs of the World Cup.
On the show "White and Jordan," Jordan discussed Infantino's future and publicly endorsed Wenger to succeed him.
Jordan stated, "If you really want to benefit sports, Infantino should step down and let Arsène Wenger take the helm of FIFA."
"I don't agree with some of Wenger's ideas, such as holding the World Cup every two years, but that may be related to his environment."
“I think Wenger is the closest thing to a CEO in football. I’ve spent some time with him, and he’s very smart and has a wide network of connections.”
Jordan also believes that Infantino's time as FIFA president may be running out.
He said, "I think Infantino's days are numbered, but for many reasons, as he may have better opportunities in other areas."
"Football is the world's biggest sport, so there are huge opportunities and power surrounding it, but he went too far. I don't understand why he would do something so stupid, unless he got a little carried away."
Jordan also questioned Infantino's push to sell the commercial rights to the World Cup: "What real benefit does Infantino get out of what he's doing? It looks like he's just trying to get some money out of the way."
"They want to sell their commercial rights, which might be possible in an ordinary business, but they are a regulatory body. You can't sell the commercial interests of the sport you're supposed to regulate. You're not a company that can buy and sell the commercial entities of football clubs; you're the governing body of the sport, so you can't do that. The idea itself is flawed."
When asked whether Gianni Infantino should be allowed to run for the next FIFA presidential election, Jordan replied, "It depends on whether he understands the situation. If he does, he will resign."
