Fresh controversy has hit FIFA after Jordan Football Association President Prince Ali bin Hussein accused FIFA President Gianni Infantino of blackmail.
The blackmail allegation has added to calls for change within world football. Several football bodies have already questioned Infantino’s leadership following the collapse of a proposed £3.1 billion World Cup investment plan.
Prince Ali claimed FIFA failed to address key issues affecting Jordan’s national team. He alleged that support was only promised if he backed Infantino for another term as FIFA president.
Speaking on the matter, Hussein said, “It is clear the problem really is with leadership. For months, FIFA has been refusing to help us on any of these or other matters – until it was verbally communicated to me during the World Cup that if I endorsed Infantino it would go a long way to helping our FA out.”
He added, “We pride ourselves in Jordan in upholding ethical values. We did not endorse him before and certainly will not now. But the whole situation amounts to blackmail and we refuse to give in to that.”
The Jordan FA president also complained about delayed prize money from the Arab Cup and tax costs linked to playing World Cup matches in the United States. He said Jordan’s players were still waiting for payments despite FIFA’s financial strength.
The allegation comes as UEFA and CONCACAF continue pushing for his resignation. Jordan has also become the first Asian football association to publicly challenge Infantino’s leadership.
However, FIFA has not officially responded to Prince Ali’s allegations.
