Jordan FA President Calls AFC Congress Vote Backing Infantino 'Pure Politics'
Prince Ali bin Hussein says the final day of the AFC's Tokyo congress was staged for FIFA's president, who is seeking a fourth term.
By Daily Newz Desk Staff ·
The president of the Jordan Football Association (JFA), Prince Ali bin Hussein, has accused FIFA President Gianni Infantino of using the Asian Football Confederation's congress for political ends as he prepares to seek a fourth term.
The AFC held an extraordinary congress in Tokyo, where its president, Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al-Khalifa, endorsed Infantino's re-election bid on Friday. Sheikh Salman told delegates that Asia was now united behind the FIFA leader. Infantino also addressed the gathering and gave Sheikh Salman his support for another term.
The show of unity came only months after the confederation accused Infantino of a "fundamental breach of trust" over the abandoned FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) proposal.
Prince Ali, a vocal critic of FIFA's leadership, described a very different atmosphere in Tokyo. "The first two days were about football, which we all serve. The last day was pure politics at the behest of Gianni Infantino," he wrote on X.
He rejected the idea of a united Asian position on the next FIFA presidential election. "In fact, nobody was allowed to speak, question, debate or talk with the media," he wrote. "Lack of transparency leads to lack of accountability. No amount of coercion, threats or bribes should be allowed." Prince Ali did not elaborate on his statement.
Al Jazeera contacted FIFA and the AFC for comment but had received no response at the time of publication.
The exchange follows an earlier clash. In August, Prince Ali publicly accused Infantino of "blackmail" and said FIFA had offered to help solve the kingdom's problems in return for his endorsement. Two days later, he confirmed that Jordan's players and staff had received outstanding reward money for taking part in the 2025 Arab Cup. The association had been waiting since December for prize money tied to reaching the final of the tournament in Qatar.
On Saturday, Infantino laughed off questions about whether he had considered resigning after the failed FFE proposal. He pointed to what he described as overwhelming support from member associations around the world.
The AFC endorsement significantly strengthens the Swiss-Italian administrator's prospects of re-election. It also leaves Europe increasingly isolated and highlights the absence of a challenger.
Source: Al Jazeera
