Arsene Wenger forced to release statement after being named in Uefa’s legal letter to Fifa

ARSENE WENGER has been forced to release a statement regarding Fifa’s controversial World Cup sell-off plan. The now scrapped proposal would have seen a sister company to Fifa created which would oversee the World Cup, and in which private investors could buy shares, essentially owning parts of the tournament. Arsene Wenger has released a statement on Fifa’s doomed World Cup sell-off plan Credit: Getty Uefa sent a legal letter to Infantino in which they warn Fifa execs to preserve documentation related to the proposal Credit: PA Wenger, who acts as the organisation’s global head of football development, has now distanced himself from the situation. He said: “The recent events at Fifa deserve some clarity from my side. At Fifa, I am the chief of global football development. Sign up for the Football newsletter Thank you! “Together with my team, I oversee the data analysis of the game, the Fifa online training centre, the development of youth education through 60 countries where they are most needed, and youth competitions around the world. “In addition, I am a technical adviser to IFAB. “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.” The statement comes after Wenger was among a number of legal executives told to preserve documents in a legal letter from Uefa. The letter, addressed to Infantino and revealed by The Times, read: “Uefa hereby gives formal notice that it is actively considering legal action, arbitration, and/or regulatory complaints arising out of and in connection with the FFE [Fifa Forward Enterprise] plan proposed by Fifa and all related matters. Most read in Sport CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS “You and Fifa are required to take immediate steps to identify, locate, and preserve all documents and electronically stored information described in this notice that are in your or Fifa’s possession, custody, or control. “Uefa – as well as other confederations, Fifa member associations and football stakeholders – has strongly condemned the FFE plan in the strongest terms as fundamentally incompatible with the proper governance of football. “Given that proceedings are reasonably anticipated, you are obliged to preserve all relevant materials with immediate effect.” Wenger was under pressure himself to step away from his role, but has reportedly resolved to weather the storm and hold on to the job. Comment now