Ex-Arsenal boss Wenger takes top Fifa job to all but end his long managerial career

FIFA has hired Arsene Wenger in a full-time role leading its global work developing football – all-but ending his club management career.

The former Arsenal manager accepted Fifa’s offer more than two months after it was first reported.

And it comes one week after talks with Bayern Munich about the German champions vacant head coach job.

Fifa says Wenger‘s title will be Chief of Global Football Development.

He will oversee the rule-making panel known as Ifab, coaching programs and technical analysis of games at Fifa tournaments.

The 70-year-old Frenchman effectively replaces Marco van Basten who was Fifa technical director until October 2018.

Wenger has worked as an analyst for broadcasters since leaving Arsenal last year after 22 seasons.

He led Arsenal to three Premier League titles, seven FA Cup trophies, and was beaten finalist in the 2006 Champions League and 2000 Uefa Cup.

NOT ‘CANDIDATE’ FOR BAYERN

SunSport reported earlier this week how the legendary ex-Arsenal boss confirmed German giants Bayern made an approach but made certain to clarify he is not a candidate for the job.

Wenger had been linked with the role all last week after Niko Kovac was sacked.

Appearing on BeIN Sports, Wenger put an end to the rumours.

He told BeIN presenter Richard Keys – who resigned from Sky in 2011 amid a sexism storm: “First of all I was never a candidate.

“I had been approached but I am not in the running for the job.

“I am not a candidate for the job.

“That is clear and definite.”

And now with a new role at Fifa, it could be the surest sign yet that the Frenchman has given up on football management for good.