Wenger considers standing against Infantino

Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is considering standing against Gianni Infantino as a candidate in Fifa's presidential election. For weeks, senior figures in European football have been hoping the Frenchman would run for the job, and he is now giving it serious thought. But some of his supporters have told BBC Sport that they would be happy for him to win the election, then stand down before serving a full four-year term.

Infantino's position was plunged into crisis by a backlash caused by his failed plan to sell commercial stakes in the World Cup to private investors. But he retains support in South America, Africa and Asia, and recently insisted he has the backing of the "vast, vast majority" of world football. Fifa's head of global development would have the backing of Uefa, which has spearheaded opposition to Infantino, and he has credibility throughout the footballing world.

Sources close to Wenger say he is yet to decide whether to stand, and they still believe Infantino is favourite to win a fourth and final term in next year's election.