Why Arsene Wenger Got The High Profile FIFA Job

Facts have emerged on why the 70-year-old Arsene Wenger bounced back to action to head global football development.

FIFA on Wednesday announced the French man as FIFA’s new Chief of Global Football Development, his first role since leaving Emirates Stadium.

Wenger was linked with a move to Bayern Munich before the FIFA appointment.

In an interview FIFA president, Gianni Infantino welcomed Wenger’s appointment as well deserved.

Infantino believes Wenger’s extensive knowledge from his coaching career, which included a 22-year stay at Arsenal as well as spells managing in France and Japan, will contribute positively to the football governing body.

In his remark Infatino said “I think there are very few persons around the world of football – maybe even beyond football – who are genuinely as respected as Arsene.”

He added that “Not only at the top level but – this makes him very special – he has been coaching all around the world, he has been coaching his whole life and we need the expertise of somebody like Arsene who is certainly a top professional, who is very focused for football, for technical development of football.”

Similarly, Wenger has expressed that the job will give him ample chance to contribute his wealth of experience to the world of football.

“I want to share what I have learned and I want to share the knowledge I have of the game I love,” Wenger said in an interview with FIFA.

 “Maybe one of the best positions to do that is at FIFA. I feel it is a position where I can help football to grow. Hopefully in quality and in knowledge.

He further added that, “Overall I want to contribute to the improvement of the laws. I will be involved with IFAB (International Football Association Board) as well.”

FIFA disclosed Wenger’s role would see him become a member of the football and technical advisory panels involved in the regular reviews by the IFAB, which outlines changes in the rules game.

Also, Wenger will be chairman of the governing body’s Technical Study Group, which has conducted the technical analysis of FIFA tournaments since 1966.

FIFA has not stated if Wenger’s role within FIFA would prevent him from taking up another managerial job.

Wenger has coached a total of 6 clubs in his coaching career. They are :

• Strabourg U19 (1981-1982)      Manager
• Cannes (1983/1984)                 Assistant Manager
• AS Nancy 1984/1987               Manager
• Monaco1987/1994                   Manager
• Nagoya Grampus 1994/995      Manager
• Asernal 1996/2018                   Manager

The legendary coach in total won 17 trophies during his time with the Gunners: 3 Premier Leagues, 7 FA Cups and 7 Community Shields