Arsene Wenger has distanced himself from Gianni Infantino’s plans to sell stakes in the World Cup after FIFA general secretary Mattias Grafstrom took the extraordinary step of condemning his boss’s project.FIFA president Infantino is fighting to remain at the top of the governing body after being forced into a humiliating U-turn on his proposals to raise private investment for the commercial and operational aspects of FIFA tournaments.Former Arsenal boss Wenger, who has served as FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development since 2019, has claimed he was unaware of the plans as the clean-up operation continues.Wenger said: ‘The recent events at FIFA deserve some clarity from my side. At FIFA, I am the Chief of Global Football Development.’Together with my team, I oversee the data analysis of the game, the FIFA online training centre, the development of youth education through 60 academies across 60 countries where they are most needed, and youth competitions around the world. In addition, I am a technical adviser to IFAB.’I was not involved in this strategic plan and first became aware of the project through media reports. Former Arsenal boss Wenger, who has served as FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development since 2019, has claimed he was unaware of the plans as the clean-up operation continues In a company-wide memo, Grafstrom (far left) – who has been mooted as a potential successor to Infantino – labelled the plans ‘reproachable’ as he aimed a thinly veiled dig at the president ‘The decision to withdraw the project was absolutely necessary and beyond question, because I firmly believe in an independent FIFA that serves our game with commitment, transparency, and integrity.’Meanwhile, Grafstrom – FIFA’s most senior employee – has reassured colleagues that they would be shielded from the instability surrounding Infantino in a telling and private memo.UEFA and Concacaf – the body responsible for North and Central America and the Caribbean – have both called for change at the top of FIFA, with UEFA expressing a loss of confidence in Infantino.England and Wales have both withdrawn their support for Infantino, who is due to stand for re-election in March, while Daily Mail Sport understands that Scotland have adopted the same stance.In a company-wide memo, Grafstrom – who has been mooted as a potential successor to Infantino – labelled the plans ‘reproachable’ as he aimed a thinly veiled dig at the FIFA president‘A sad and reproachable series of events – which were thankfully concluded with the FFE project permanently abandoned – for as much as we feel dismayed by them, should not overshadow this reality.‘We have all been thrown into the middle of a turmoil, which is difficult to comprehend and accept, but, as Secretary General, I urge you to remain focused on what has always united us: serving football and serving our 211 Member Associations, hand in hand with all relevant stakeholders and in full compliance with the FIFA Statutes and FIFA Regulations.‘I assure you that you as members of the administration, you will be defended and safeguarded from the political context we currently experience. You do not need to worry.‘Individuals, unstable moments and unfortunate episodes come and go. The institution, its mission and its responsibility towards world football continue, and that is why we should always keep our professionalism, sense of perspective and composure.‘I also want you to know that my door remains open for you, and I will continue to support our teams, our work and our mission every hour of every day for as long as my work is valued by those we serve.’Grafstrom becomes the third FIFA employee to turn against Infantino following the resignation of senior advisor Carlos Cordeiro last week. Meanwhile, chief operating officer Kevin Lamour lambasted the plans.