Jordan football president accuses FIFA of ‘blackmail’, launches public attack on Gianni Infantino

New Delhi: Jordan Football Association president Ali bin Al Hussein has accused FIFA and its president, Gianni Infantino, of ‘blackmail’. Al Hussein alleged that offered to resolve the issues related to the Jordan Football Association only if he publicly endorsed Infantino as president of the world football governing body.

Al Hussein shared a strongly worded statement on social media, where he launched a scathing attack on FIFA and . The Jordan FA president levelled multiple accusations at FIFA, alleging their fans faced visa issues, and some were denied visas despite paying exorbitant prices for tickets during the FIFA World Cup 2026 earlier this year.

He also revealed Jordan had to pay extra in taxes for staying in the US, where their matches were scheduled during the World Cup. Al Hussein also accused FIFA of not clearing their payments for a tournament, where Jordan reached the final, despite the world governing body claiming that they have billions of dollars in reserves.

Al Hussein claimed FIFA ignored multiple requests for assistance over the above-mentioned issues related to Jordan football before making a political request, which he labelled ‘unethical’. Al Hussein said Jordan FA was asked by FIFA to publicly endorse Infantino’s leadership, which would help in getting their issues resolved more swiftly.

“It was verbally communicated to me during the World Cup that if I endorsed Infantino it would go a long way to helping our FA out,” Al Hussein wrote in his post.

“We pride ourselves in Jordan in upholding ethical values. We did not endorse him before and certainly will not now. But the whole situation amounts to blackmail, and we refuse to give in to that,” he added.

Gianni Infantino faces intense scrutiny

Infantino has been facing intense scrutiny and criticism from all corners. His position as FIFA president has come under pressure after the world governing body of football had to withdraw its controversial proposal of inviting private investments in major FIFA tournaments, including the World Cup.

FIFA wants to sell minority stakes in major tournaments to private investors to increase funding, which it claimed would help in the expansion and the development of the game. However, the proposal was opposed by multiple continental football bodies from across the globe, including UEFA.

FIFA was eventually forced to withdraw the proposal. However, the proposal has intensified scrutiny over Infantino’s leadership, with many FIFA member nations openly opposing him ahead of the presidential election next year.