FIFA executive Arsène Wenger has backed the decision to abandon a controversial plan to sell stakes in future World Cup profits to private investors, saying dropping the proposal was “absolutely necessary.”

The former Arsenal manager's comments came after UEFA's lawyers sent a letter to FIFA President Gianni Infantino threatening legal action. The letter named Wenger and 17 other FIFA executives whose communications and data should be preserved as potential evidence.

Wenger, FIFA's Chief of Global Football Development, said he had no role in developing the plan and learned about it from media reports.

“I was not involved in this strategic plan and first became aware of the project through media reports,” Wenger said.

The French football great, who was hired by Infantino in 2019, did not mention the FIFA president by name in his statement.

He said withdrawing the plan was essential because he believed FIFA should remain independent and operate with transparency and integrity.

“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,” Wenger said.

Infantino withdrew the proposed $20 billion investment plan early Saturday following strong opposition from football officials around the world.

UEFA had warned that European football could boycott FIFA matches and events if the plan went ahead.