FIFA 'blackmailing' members to back Infantino, alleges former vice president
Prince Ali bin Al Hussein of Jordan has accused FIFA president Gianni Infantino of using financial leverage to secure political support. The allegations center on withheld prize money and pressure to endorse Infantino's re-election.
Why it matters
The accusations highlight ongoing governance and ethical concerns within the highest levels of international football administration.
Former FIFA vice president Prince Ali bin Al Hussein has criticised FIFA president Gianni Infantino and the governing body's leadership, accusing them of withholding money due to Jordan and calling it a form of "blackmail."Prince Ali, who heads the Jordan Football Association, said the federation has still not received the prize money for finishing runners-up in the FIFA Arab Cup held in Qatar last December.In a post on social media, Prince Ali claimed he was told during the World Cup, where Jordan made its debut in June, that supporting Infantino's re-election would help the Jordanian federation."I was told if I endorsed FIFA president Gianni Infantino it would go a long way to helping our FA out."Infantino is facing pressure over his leadership after global football officials strongly opposed his proposal to sell a stake in future World Cup commercial rights to investors led by Joshua Kushner.
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