Jordan’s Prince Ali Criticizes FIFA Leadership Over Withheld Prize Money

Prince Ali bin Al Hussein, a former vice president of FIFA and leader of the Jordanian soccer federation, has openly criticized FIFA’s leadership under Gianni Infantino. He accused the organization of withholding prize money due to the Jordan national team as a means of coercion.

The issue revolves around the prize money Jordan was supposed to receive for reaching the final of the FIFA Arab Cup held in Qatar last December. Despite their achievement, the Jordanian federation has yet to receive the reported $4.2 million, which was promised to the tournament’s runner-up.

In a social media post, Prince Ali revealed that during the World Cup, where Jordan participated for the first time in June, he was told that endorsing FIFA President Gianni Infantino could potentially benefit the Jordanian Football Association. Prince Ali, who placed third in the 2016 FIFA presidential election against Infantino, expressed his refusal to support the current leadership, citing ethical values upheld in Jordan.

Gianni Infantino’s presidency is under scrutiny following a controversial plan to sell a share in future World Cup profits to investors led by Joshua Kushner. This plan faced backlash from various soccer leaders, and UEFA is reportedly seeking a rival candidate months before the election. Infantino was earlier expected to be re-elected unopposed for a fourth term through 2031.

UEFA has also threatened to boycott FIFA matches, events, and meetings. Asian Football Confederation and CONCACAF have expressed opposition to Infantino’s leadership. With the fallout from the equity plan, the FIFA president’s position has become increasingly precarious.

Candidates must declare their intention to run for the FIFA presidency by November 18, ahead of the election set for March 18 in Rabat, Morocco.