Arsene Wenger believes that FIFA's decision to cancel the project of introducing private investments into its tournaments was a necessary step.
FIFA had proposed selling around 20% of a new entity responsible for managing its tournaments, led by the World Cup, for up to $4.2 billion, before withdrawing the proposal following a wave of widespread criticism.
Wenger said in an official statement reported by the BBC: "Recent events within FIFA require clarification from me."
He added, "I was not part of this project, and I learned about it for the first time through the media."
He stressed, "The decision to cancel the project was absolutely necessary and beyond discussion, because I believe in the need for an independent FIFA that serves football with commitment, transparency, and integrity."
FIFA President Gianni Infantino had proposed establishing a new commercial entity to manage the tournaments, allowing external investors the opportunity to buy stakes in it, before withdrawing the idea following widespread criticism.
In a related context, Mathias Grafström said in an internal memo: "What happened over the past week was difficult to understand and accept."
He added, "We have gone through a period of turmoil, but we must continue to focus on serving football and the member associations."
He continued, "We must maintain our professionalism; crises pass, but our responsibility toward football continues."
The withdrawal from the project came after UEFA threatened to take escalatory measures, amid widespread criticism within the football community.
This comes at a time when FIFA is seeking to restore stability and maintain the confidence of member associations ahead of the next phase.
UEFA had previously announced that its national teams would boycott FIFA competitions "as long as these proposals remain in place." (See details)
CONCACAF officially rejected FIFA's proposal. (See details)
The Asian Football Confederation also announced its rejection of FIFA's proposal (See details)