FIFA appoints Arsène Wenger director of world football development

The 70-year-old Alsatian has enjoyed success as a coach with Monaco and Arsenal, which he led for twenty-two years, until 2018.

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Arsène Wenger, in December 2014. OZAN KOSE / AFP

Frenchman Arsène Wenger has been named director of the world football development of the International Federation of Football Association (FIFA), announced Wednesday, November 13, the body based in Zurich, Switzerland.

The 70-year-old Alsatian was a successful coach with Monaco and then Arsenal, which he led for twenty-two years until 2018, winning three league titles and seven England cups. His name was mentioned recently to succeed Niko Kovac at the head of the Bayern Munich team.

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He will be in charge of "Overseeing and directing the growth and development of football for men and women around the world", explained the authority in a statement. For its president, Gianni Infantino, "Arsene Wenger's great knowledge and passion for the different aspects of our sport make him one of the most respected personalities in world football".

"A central role on technical issues"

"I am really looking forward to this extremely important challenge, not only because I have always been interested in analyzing football in a broader perspective, but also because FIFA's mission, as leader of football, is truly global "responded the person concerned.

As the application of video assistance to arbitration (VAR) raises many questions, Wenger will also occupy "A central role on technical issues"said FIFA, as a member of the two advisory groups of the International Board (IFAB), guarantor of the rules of the game. He will also head the technical study group, responsible for the analysis of competitions since 1966.

Read also: "Arbitration has never been so challenged, an overwhelming admission of failure for video"

The Alsacian succeeds former Dutch international Marco van Basten, who left FIFA in October 2018. Mr Wenger is the second Frenchman to join the International Federation's governing team recently, following the appointment in September. from former international Yuri Djorkaeff at the head of the FIFA Foundation.

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