FIFA President Gianni Infantino is facing accusations of blackmail from Prince Ali bin Hussein, the president of the Jordan Football Association. The allegations come as pressure mounts on Infantino, who has recently been scrutinized over leaked plans to sell stakes in the World Cup.
Prince Ali stated that FIFA refused to address issues facing the Jordan FA, including delays in prize money payments and US tax liabilities for participation, until Jordan endorsed Infantino for a fourth term. "The whole situation amounts to blackmail and we refuse to give in to that," Prince Ali said in a statement.
Jordan had been awaiting reward money since December for their participation in the Arab Cup in Qatar. Additionally, the Jordan FA faced significant hurdles with visas for fans traveling to the USA for the World Cup and was subjected to US government taxes on their participation through FIFA. Prince Ali noted that similar tax issues were not imposed on teams participating in Canada and Mexico.
Infantino has since withdrawn the controversial proposals to sell World Cup stakes following widespread opposition and internal dissent within FIFA. Both UEFA and CONCACAF, continental governing bodies, have called for Infantino's resignation, with Europe declaring a lack of confidence in the FIFA president.
Jordan is the first Asian nation to publicly rebel against Infantino's leadership. If all UEFA and CONCACAF nations align with their continental bodies, the total number of nations rebelling could reach 91. A total of 106 nations are required to depose the FIFA president.