Jordan FA president Prince Ali bin Hussein has launched a scathing attack on FIFA president Gianni Infantino, accusing him of blackmail.
The extraordinary allegations come as pressure mounts on Infantino following the collapse of his controversial plan to sell a £3.1 billion stake in FIFA’s competitions.
The proposal was abandoned after fierce opposition from within the organisation, triggering fresh questions over his future.
UEFA and CONCACAF have already called for Infantino to step aside, with Europe’s governing body publicly expressing no confidence in the Swiss official.
Jordan has now become the first Asian football association to openly join the revolt, taking the number of nations opposing Infantino to 91 if all UEFA and CONCACAF members align with their confederations.
A total of 106 national associations would be required to remove him from office.
In a strongly worded statement, Prince Ali claimed FIFA had ignored repeated requests for assistance with several issues affecting Jordan’s national team.
They had qualified for the World Cup for the first time in the country’s history and were stoked to strut their stuff on the grand stage.
Unfortunately, they faced visa difficulties that prevented some supporters from travelling to the United States despite holding match tickets.
He was also unhappy with the taxes they faced at their US-based tournament camp, and delayed prize money from the Arab Cup in Qatar.
Prince Ali then criticised FIFA’s handling of financial matters.
He claimed the association has still not received reward payments owed to players after reaching the Arab Cup final, despite FIFA’s substantial financial reserves.
Most explosively, he alleged that during the World Cup he was told backing Infantino for a fourth presidential term would improve FIFA’s willingness to help Jordan resolve its outstanding issues.
Prince Ali said Jordan had refused to endorse Infantino previously and would not do so now, insisting the alleged approach amounted to blackmail.
He added that the Jordan FA would continue to uphold what it considers ethical principles rather than bow to political pressure.
These allegations are the most serious public accusations levelled against Infantino, piling further pressure on the FIFA president as opposition to his leadership continues to grow.
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