Arsene Wenger has found a new job in football after the former Arsenal manager was confirmed as the new FIFA chief of global football development.
FIFA said the former Arsenal and Monaco coach would be responsible for the growth of the game “for both men and women around the world”, and would also be the “leading authority on technical matters”, including potential changes to the sport’s laws.
“I very much look forward to taking on this extremely important challenge,” Wenger said in a statement.
“Not only because I have always been interested in analysing football from a broader perspective but also because FIFA’s mission as world football’s governing body is truly global.”
The new role brings Wenger back to the game for the first time since 2018, when he left Arsenal after 22 years in charge.
Arsene Wenger is FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development ❤️.
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A football purist and legend is about to redefine the beautiful game of football. Congrats boss, Local Man is truly happy fam 😊. Daddy yo 🙌🏾.
•#wenger #fifa #football #arsenal #arsene #blessed pic.twitter.com/d39mzChicx— Dr. Kelechi Anyikude (@KelechiAFC) November 13, 2019
Wenger will also be in charge of technical matters in his capacity as FIFA’s Technical Study Group Chairman as well as a member of the Football and Technical Advisory Panels.
He will be involved in the review and decision-making process of any changes that could be made to the game.
“Leaning on a highly distinguished coaching career, Wenger’s role will include a particular focus on coach education, while he will also offer invaluable contributions to an executive programme – currently in its inception phase – tailored to encourage former professional players to enter management and which will support them through the post-career transition and bridge the gap between managerial and technical positions in football,” said FIFA on their website.
Wenger made the Gunners one of the strongest sides in Europe, winning three Premier League titles and seven FA Cups and taking his team to the 2006 Champions League final.
On Saturday Wenger denied claims by Bayern Munich that they had turned down his offer to take over at the German champions after the sacking of Niko Kovac.