Former FIFA VP Prince Ali cites ‘blackmail’ by Infantino-led soccer body over unpaid prize money
GENEVA (AP) — Former FIFA vice president Prince Ali bin Al Hussein criticized the soccer…
Former FIFA Vice President Prince Ali bin Al Hussein has accused FIFA leadership, led by Gianni Infantino, of blackmail over unpaid prize money owed to the Jordan national team. Prince Ali stated that Jordan's federation has not yet received the funds due for reaching the final of the 2025 FIFA Arab Cup, which was held in Qatar in December.
In a social media post, he alleged that Infantino had hinted that endorsing him could assist the Jordanian Football Association (FA). Infantino faces mounting pressure to retain his 11-year presidency amidst a backlash from global soccer leaders regarding his plan to sell a stake in future World Cup profits. Prince Ali, who came third in the 2016 FIFA presidential election, reiterated that his team had never endorsed Infantino and would not do so now.
He emphasized that the situation is an act of blackmail and refused to comply with the demands. Jordanian media reported that the 2025 FIFA Arab Cup, which Jordan lost in the final against Morocco, was expected to pay $4.2 million to the defeated finalist. Prince Ali pointed out that despite FIFA's claims of having billions in reserve, the Jordanian team has not received the money it is owed.
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