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.
Wenger is 77, leading to questions over whether he could provide long-term leadership for the sport.
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.
The deadline for candidates to confirm they are standing against Infantino for the election in March is 18 November which implies that Wenger has the next six days to make up his mind.
Former Tottenham defender Ramon Vega was the first person to put his name forward in October.
Wenger
Japan Football Association honorary president Kozo Tashima has also announced his intention to stand.
