Jordan FA chief Prince Ali bin Hussein accuses FIFA of blackmail

Prince Ali bin Hussein Gianni Infantino Jordan Football Association FIFA Arab Cup prize money

Prince Ali bin Hussein, president of the Jordan Football Association, publicly criticised FIFA President Gianni Infantino, alleging that FIFA pressured Jordan to endorse Infantino in exchange for assistance with the national team's participation in the 2026 World Cup. He said Jordan faced visa difficulties for fans, high ticket prices and an unexpected U.S. tax levy imposed through FIFA that reduced funds meant for players and staff. The association also waited eight months for prize money owed for reaching the 2025 Arab Cup final, which was finally paid in August. Prince Ali stated the delayed payment does not alter his stance: Jordan will not vote for Infantino in the March 2027 FIFA presidential election. He described the situation as "extortion" and reaffirmed the Jordan FA’s commitment to ethical values despite FIFA’s large financial reserves.

Entities

FIFA · Gianni Infantino · Jordan Football Association · Jordan Football Federation · Prince Ali bin Hussein · Prince Ali bin al‑Hussein · United States

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 3 SOURCES] The prize money was delivered to Jordan's players and coaching staff on the morning of the announcement. www.gamereactor.eu · kfgo.com · wsau.com
[● 3 SOURCES] Prince Ali stated he will not endorse or vote for Gianni Infantino in the 2027 FIFA presidential election. www.gamereactor.eu · kfgo.com · wsau.com
[● 3 SOURCES] Jordan lost the 2025 Arab Cup final 3-2 to Morocco. www.gamereactor.eu · kfgo.com · wsau.com
[● 2 SOURCES] FIFA did not respond to requests for comment on the blackmail allegations. kfgo.com · wsau.com
[● 2 SOURCES] FIFA apologized for mistakes related to its abandoned proposal to sell a stake in World Cup commercial rights. kfgo.com · wsau.com
[● 3 SOURCES] FIFA paid the prize money owed to Jordan for reaching the 2025 Arab Cup final. www.gamereactor.eu · kfgo.com · wsau.com
[● 3 SOURCES] The prize money was delayed for eight months after the December 2023 Arab Cup final. www.gamereactor.eu · kfgo.com · wsau.com
[● 3 SOURCES] Prince Ali accused FIFA president Gianni Infantino of offering help in exchange for Jordan FA’s endorsement, describing it as blackmail. www.gamereactor.eu · kfgo.com · wsau.com