Er. Wenger’s hands are never tied. He has, or had considerable political weight, and credibility of voice that could be used to ensure that FIFA acts appropriately, that he calls out corruption when he sees it, and this would increase his leverage, not weaken it. Being silent however, with all the very public breaches of integrity and due process around him, is simply turning a blind eye. Wenger didn’t need to know about the World Cup heist, the Balogun fiasco happened right in front of him. On an issue that he and Jill Ellis are directly tasked with overseeing - integrity of the game on-field. And neither said anything. Certainly did nothing effective, if at all. Wenger sought to distance himself from Infantino after the fact, by stating that the issue had nothing to do with him. It does, actually. Wenger and Ellis are the highest ranking football officials in the world. However, they allowed other employees to publicly hold the organisation to account. Wenger was however quick to admonish players for being ‘political’ by promoting human rights (inclusion, LGBTI rights) in Qatar 2022, and unlike many players was silent on the thousands of migrant worker deaths that built the tournament. Despite indications to the contrary by FIFA, those bereaved families have still not been compensated. That’s neither principled, nor honorable. I’m a fan of the football Arsene produced, but neither FIFA nor the game need more ‘company men.’ Or women. It needs respected, strong and principled voices who remain committed to the game’s wellbeing, safety and protection, irrespective of who they work for. Even more so, when working at the very body with the greatest power to damage it.

The plan is dead. For now. But capital wants a share of the World Cup, and they’ll be back. 
The real work starts now. This only got so far because too many stakeholders were compliant. Too gutless.
Everyone feeding from the trough, protecting their own slice, staying quiet while power concentrated and the game was commodified. We’ve had States using clubs for soft power, sportswashing galore, the gutting of the FIFA ethics committee and Human Rights Advisory Board, without a peep from the 211 member federations. Of course there’s no accountability, you voted for it. Saudi Arabia perverted the entire World Cup rotation system to get 2034. Not a word. Balogun fiasco - which goes to the essence of on field integrity - no investigation. ‘Peace Prize’? What a farce. There must be full accountability. 
A complete, independent investigation into how this plan was developed, who was involved, what discussions took place, and what conflicts of interest and improper influence were at play. And real governance reform. 
Power cannot continue to reside in one person or a closed circle. Infantino has been able to rule as emperor by using federation dividends to keep everyone quiet. And it almost worked. 
The rules have to change to avoid this scale of secrecy again. And the people who love this game must step up. 
Fan groups around the world need to come together. Not just in your own countries.
A real global body of supporters that can speak with one voice and refuse to be ignored. Real leverage. Players and players’ unions. It’s time to grow some courage. Stop waiting for permission. Get organised. Build real power in numbers. You’re not even at the table. 
Start pushing FIFA properly and defending the game you play. And to the legends of the game — the former players with a platform, those who work for FIFA, travel the world and sit in first class seats. 
You have a duty.
Not to keep filling your pockets while staying silent. Not to harvest the game for more and more fame and money. But to shape it for the future. 
To hold it accountable. 
To speak when it matters. This game does not belong to presidents, investors, or those who treat it as a personal empire. 
It belongs to the players who make it and the fans who live it. We just saw how close we came to losing part of it.
The only way we protect it now is to stop being compliant, hold every stakeholder accountable to their responsibility, and finally demand better. This plan is dead.
 The fight for the future of the game just began.

The convenient idea that Infantino is the sole problem leaves the game vulnerable to further exploitation. Every stakeholder has played a part in where we have arrived. The question is, what now? Fans and players need to mobilise for real accountability — with leverage, not just statements. The goal must be stronger external safeguards, genuine transparency, and an organisational culture at FIFA that no longer enables this from the inside. More should be expected of the game’s legends. Too many allow themselves to be used as public tokens of credibility while remaining silent when it counts. And FIFPRO, the global players’ union, should be the strongest voice for structural reform. The players hold the real power. But they lack the organisation to mobilise it, and the authority to use it. A game that acts ethically, enforces accountability, grows equitably and protects its core assets is a long way off. This should be a lesson for everyone. Next time may be too late.

The right decision for the community, the National Team, the City of Melbourne global brand, the country. Every major city needs fan zones and events to cheer on our national team in the most important sporting event there is. Moments that bring us all together, build sense of community, and last a lifetime. My thanks to @JacintaAllanMP @FedSquare At the same time, I will stress that I don’t support any behaviour from anyone, football fan or otherwise, that puts the safety of anyone at risk. Every Aussie should have the opportunity to watch the Socceroos at our most important public venues, to express their passion and pride, safely and joyously. Kids, families, everyone. The NSW Govt has this morning confirmed events in Tumbalong Park, and others will do the same. Well done all, for the right decision.