Jordan FA chief accuses Infantino of hijacking AFC Congress

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 27 Oct, 18:03 · Archive

Prince Ali bin Hussein accused FIFA President Gianni Infantino of orchestrating the AFC Congress for political purposes ahead of his re-election bid.

Prince Ali bin Hussein, president of Jordan's Football Association, has accused FIFA President Gianni Infantino of hijacking the Asian Football Confederation's extraordinary congress in Tokyo last Friday for political purposes ahead of Infantino's re-election bid for a fourth term.

At the congress, AFC president Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al-Khalifa endorsed Infantino's candidacy and told delegates that Asia was united behind him. This marked a significant shift from two months earlier, when the AFC had criticised Infantino over his failed attempt to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors, describing it as a 'fundamental breach of trust'.

After the congress, Prince Ali disputed that Asia was genuinely united. He wrote on social media that 'the first two days were about football' but 'the last day was pure politics at the behest of Gianni Infantino'. He alleged that 'nobody was allowed to speak, question, debate or talk with the media' and stated that 'no amount of coercion, threats or bribes should be allowed'. Prince Ali did not elaborate on these claims.

The AFC rejected Prince Ali's allegations, stating that he and other member associations had been given the opportunity to participate according to established procedures. It said no request to speak had been submitted by the Jordanian delegation or any other member association. The AFC added that it 'takes seriously' the 'unsupported and entirely unsubstantiated allegations' and said such accusations must be supported by credible evidence.

In response to Prince Ali's statements, the AFC announced it would refer the matter to its judicial bodies for consideration and 'any further action deemed appropriate'. Prince Ali has been a vocal critic of Infantino's leadership. In August, he publicly accused Infantino of 'blackmail', alleging that FIFA had offered to help solve Jordan's problems in exchange for his endorsement.

How it is being reported

• Fifa and Infantino at centre of escalating row among Asian football chiefsThe war of words in Asian football over the future of Fifa president Gianni Infantino has escalated further after regional chiefs turned on critic Prince Ali bin Hussein of Jordan. Asia has become a key battleground for Infantino as he looks to extend his decade-long tenure at next year’s elections despite a widespread backlash to [...]City AM · 27 Oct, 13:35
• AFC takes action against Jordan FA chief who continues to oppose Gianni InfantinoJordan FA chief Prince Ali bin Hussein has publicly opposed Infantino since the Fifa president’s failed World Cup sell-off schemeIndependent Sport · 27 Oct, 11:48
• Jordan FA chief says AFC Congress ‘pure politics’ at behest of InfantinoPrince Ali bin Hussein said nobody was allowed to speak, question, debate or talk to the media at the AFC Congress.Al Jazeera · 25 Oct, 18:05

In this story: Prince Ali bin Hussein · Gianni Infantino · Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al-Khalifa · FIFA · AFC · Jordan Football Association · Tokyo · Jordan

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