Prince Ali bin al-Hussein criticizes FIFA and AFC leadership

Jordanian football association president Prince Ali bin al-Hussein has voiced strong opposition to FIFA President Gianni Infantino and the actions of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). Speaking via X, al-Hussein challenged claims made by AFC President Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim al-Khalifa, who stated that the continental confederation offers unconditional support to Infantino.

Al-Hussein argued that the AFC Congress was dominated by politics driven by Infantino, noting that during the proceedings, members were prevented from speaking, asking questions, or discussing matters with the media. He emphasized that the election of the FIFA president is decided by individual member associations rather than continental presidents.

This conflict follows previous allegations from al-Hussein, who in the summer accused FIFA of withholding bonuses to coerce his support for Infantino. While UEFA and CONCACAF seek to challenge Infantino in the March 2027 election in Morocco, the FIFA president maintains significant support across Africa, South America, and Oceania.