Jordan FA’s blackmail accusation fuels growing revolt against Infantino

In a formal complaint, the Jordan Football Association has accused FIFA President Gianni Infantino of blackmail, with President Prince Ali bin Hussein launching a scathing attack that claims the Swiss official used his re‑election ambitions to pressure Jordan for assistance.

The allegation marks a dramatic escalation in dissent against Infantino’s leadership, coming as the FIFA chief faces mounting pressure after the collapse of his controversial proposal to sell a £3.1 billion stake in FIFA’s competitions.

UEFA and CONCACAF have already called for Infantino to step aside, with Europe’s governing body publicly expressing no confidence in the Swiss official, adding their statements to a growing chorus of criticism across the global football community.

Jordan becomes the first Asian football association to openly join the revolt, potentially raising the number of nations opposing Infantino to 91 if all UEFA and CONCACAF members align with their confederations, though 106 national associations would be required to remove him from office.

In a strongly worded statement, Prince Ali claimed FIFA ignored repeated requests for assistance with several issues affecting Jordan’s national team, noting that the side had qualified for the World Cup for the first time in the country’s history before encountering further obstacles.

Supporters of the Jordanian side faced visa difficulties that prevented them from travelling to the United States despite holding match tickets, and the federation complained about taxes levied on its US‑based tournament camp.

Prince Ali added that prize money from the Arab Cup in Qatar had been delayed, and that the association had yet to receive 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, a claim the Jordan FA describes as blackmail.

Prince Ali affirmed that the Jordan FA will continue to uphold what it considers ethical principles rather than bow to political pressure, underscoring the seriousness of the accusations as the most public challenge to Infantino’s leadership to date.