Arsene Wenger is currently working as a global football development manager for FIFA
Arsene Wenger says that behind-the-scenes football is not a viable long-term solution, but it is the best way to end the current season.
The former boss of Arsenal, speaking on Bein Sports, believes that playing games without supporters could harm football if it lasts too long.
"Will it survive in the long term? Will it damage the long-term program without subscribers? I am sure of that," he said.
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"But it can be a short-term solution, not a long-term one. You can't imagine a full season without viewers. So I think it's a short-term solution."
"It is always the best way to get a verdict by the end of the season. It is better than any other decision."
1:06 Schalke sports director Jochen Schneider says it's a "nightmare" to play games without fans, but admits the best option available.
The Bundesliga returned this weekend, becoming the first major European league to return after the coronavirus suspension, with all matches behind closed doors.
With the Premier League probably doing something similar on his return, Wenger believes it is important to play without fans until he is sure to do it.
He said: "We don't have medicine to get people to the stadiums in mid-July. There are a few examples in Italy where (fans of) the matches have caused disaster.
"We cannot guide ourselves too much for financial reasons and risks. We must first make sure that this is medically safe."
Erling Haaland celebrates his goal against Schalke on Saturday in front of an empty stadium
Wenger, who is responsible for the development of world football at FIFA, participated in the decision-making process which introduced five replacements for the rest of the season.
It was introduced to help national leagues manage fatigue and scheduled matches in a short period of time, and the Frenchman says he is intrigued to see how it will be used in matches.
"At FIFA we have offered the five replacements for one reason only: because the schedule is crowded. It is very difficult to play more games without any other changes," said Wenger.
"I think in the first game it's hard to judge, but overall it will be interesting to see over the next month how it will be used."
"I also think it's a good idea because some small teams wouldn't be able to play all of their games if they played all three games. So playing with their best team in every game is a good decision."
"Looking at the games today, I don't think the teams are ready."
