Arsene Wenger has released a statement after receiving criticism for failing to speak out against FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s scuppered plan to sell stakes in the World Cup.

FIFA insisted last week that their controversial FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) proposal was not an attempt to ‘sell football’, amid reports that its 211 member associations would make an instant £15 million ($20 million) if they voted through the plans.

An additional £50 million ($66 million) was set to be given to each association before 2038.

However, under-fire Infantino announced on Saturday that the FFE proposal had been scrapped following widespread opposition, with UEFA threatening to boycott future World Cups if the plans went ahead.

Arsene Wenger Criticised For Failing to Speak Out

While Infantino has been the subject of most of the backlash, there has also been criticism directed towards legendary Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, who has served as FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development since 2019.

Former Chelsea and Republic of Ireland striker Tony Cascarino recently told talkSPORT: “The one thing that’s really surprised me is Arsene Wenger, who’s got a real pivotal role within FIFA and he’s obviously been an incredible manager.

“Nothing at all from Arsene Wenger and you’d have felt that he would have [something to say].

“But… the way he’s always managed and you always felt he loves the game so much, and what he achieved as a club manager and his role at FIFA – and Arsene’s been very, very quiet.

“And it’s hard to know exactly where he stands as well – because he’ll get questioned, Arsene Wenger.”

Wenger Breaks Silence With Statement

But in a statement provided to GiveMeSport, Wenger has now broken his silence. The 76-year-old Frenchman said:

Infantino is currently locked in a battle to save his position as FIFA president, having worked in the role since 2016.

While several of FIFA’s member associations have withdrawn letters of support for the 56-year-old, who is seeking a fourth term in charge, others are still backing him ahead of next March’s presidential election in Rabat, Morocco.

Everton are now said to be closing in on the signing of an Arsenal star as they look to ramp up their summer business. The Toffees have done three big bits of business this summer, signing Merlin Rohn, Tyrique George and Hayden Hackney in a bid to bridge the gap between themselves and the European spots, which were just out of reach last season.

But David Moyes still wants more new recruits, and as confirmed by Celtic boss Martin O’Neill, talks are ongoing over the possible signing of Canada World Cup star Alistair Johnston. Although the full-back played in the Hoops’ season-opener on Monday night, so it doesn’t appear as though a deal is about to be sealed.

In the meantime, efforts are also ongoing to strengthen in other areas, and an Arsenal player could be next in.

Everton close in on deal to sign Norgaard

According to Bold, Everton are about to complete a deal to sign Arsenal star Christian Norgaard, with the two sides now only working on the final details of a deal. It’s claimed the Toffees have agreed to a £7million deal, and that the 32-year-old midfielder has been given permission to have his medical on Merseyside.

Norgaard was only signed by Arsenal last summer, when he arrived from Brentford, but he was signed as midfield cover, with his experience coming in handy behind the scenes. The Dane is known for his reliability and professionalism, and those are likely the same reasons Moyes wants to get hold of him this summer.

Everton will also be able to offer more regular football, even if he is not a starter, and at just £7million, it is not a risky deal by any stretch regardless of how much the experienced midfielder plays. Arsenal are adding to their midfield again this summer, which will likely see Norgaard fall further out of the picture.

Norgaard an ‘immaculate’ master of preparation

After a Champions League game last season, Arteta said of Norgaard: “Christian Norgaard, who is a player who probably prepares the best out of all of them and is somebody who makes all of us better every single day and can play in any position, any condition, whether he plays more or less minutes, his attitude is always immaculate, and that’s a really good example for all of us.”

He added after a Carabao Cup win: “He did very, very well. But I’m not surprised that when we brought him and we had those discussions, he understood perfectly what his role was.”

Big Cass made his long-awaited return to WWE on Monday Night Raw, ending eight years away from the company.

The former AEW star arrived after weeks of cryptic vignettes that had teased the comeback of the seven-foot powerhouse, with his appearance prompting a reaction from his former teammate Enzo Amore.

Following weeks of video packages teasing the arrival of Cass, he made his presence known when he interrupted Je’von Evans’ celebrations for his victory over Ethan Page. Cass laid out Evans, sending a message to the WWE locker room in his first appearance for the company since 2018.

Big Cass’ Career After Leaving WWE

Screenshot via Netflix

Cass’ comeback completes a remarkable career turnaround. After being released by WWE in 2018, the powerhouse rebuilt his reputation on the independent circuit, before signing with AEW, where he competed under the name Big Bill.

During his four-year stint at AEW, he formed several successful alliances, and alongside Ricky Starks, won the AEW Tag Team Championships. Later down the line, he joined Chris Jericho‘s stable, The Learning Tree. He departed the promotion in June after his contract expired, leaving speculation that a WWE return could be on the cards.

Enzo & Cass Were Hugely Popular

Enzo and Cass became one of WWE’s most popular tag teams in the mid-2010s. After knowing each other as teenagers, playing basketball together in Manhattan, the duo came up through the ranks in WWE, starting out in NXT as a popular duo.

Despite never catching tag team gold, their charisma, entrance, and memorable catchphrases are what made them a standout act in the sport. Their partnership came to an end, however, in 2017 after Cass turned on Amore, leading to a short-lived singles run disrupted by injuries.

In 2018, Amore was suspended from WWE following sexual assault allegations and was subsequently let go by the company. Later in the year, Big Cass was also released from WWE.

Enzo Amore Reacts to Big Cass’ Return

Following Big Cass’ return to WWE last night, Amore took to social media to react, with his X post mentioning NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers like their names were trending as if it was 2016.

His X post read: “Enzo & Aaron Rodgers are trending like it’s 2016.”

While there is no indication the pair will reunite on WWE television anytime soon, Cass’ return has indeed sparked conversation around one of WWE’s most entertaining tag teams of the past decade.

Whether Amore’s post was simply to test the online buzz, or teasing something that has yet to come, remains to be seen.