Jordan FA chief accuses FIFA’s Infantino of ‘blackmail’ over endorsement

Jordan's football association president has publicly accused FIFA President Gianni Infantino of blackmail, escalating the fallout from a failed FIFA World Cup commercial deal. Ali bin Hussein alleged that FIFA verbally communicated an offer of assistance to the Jordan FA in exchange for his endorsement of Infantino.

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But the whole situation amounts to blackmail and we refuse to give in to that.

Bin Hussein, a former FIFA vice president, stated on social media that FIFA indicated endorsing Infantino "would go a long way to helping our FA out." This alleged offer followed months of FIFA refusing assistance on various matters concerning the Jordanian association. "We pride ourselves in Jordan in upholding ethical values. We did not endorse him before and certainly will not now," Bin Hussein declared, calling the situation "blackmail."

The accusations surface as Infantino faces increasing opposition following the abandonment of a controversial plan to sell a stake in the World Cup. Football confederations and national associations rejected the proposal before a September 19 deadline. FIFA had argued the sale would generate billions for global sports development, but the resistance was significant.

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would go a long way to helping our FA out

Al Jazeera has contacted FIFA for comment on the allegations. Meanwhile, UEFA confirmed it has served a document preservation letter to FIFA regarding the failed World Cup sell-off. Executives like FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom and Arsene Wenger have reportedly distanced themselves from Infantino, with Bin Hussein citing leadership issues within FIFA.

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We pride ourselves in Jordan in upholding ethical values. We did not endorse him before and certainly will not now.