Ali ben Al Hussein accuses Gianni Infantino of blackmail over alleged support-for-help message | OneFootball

Ali ben Al Hussein has accused Gianni Infantino of blackmail, alleging FIFA hinted that backing the incumbent would help Jordan’s federation resolve its problems. The president said in a post on X.

His message detailed obstacles for a federation with a minimal budget, saying FIFA had declined to help for months and that, during the World Cup, he was told orally that support for Infantino would greatly assist the JFA. The post came less than a year before the next FIFA elections.

It cited Jordan’s first World Cup, where they exited in the group stage against Argentina, Algeria and Austria. It also alleged some supporters were denied visas despite holding tickets, which were described as sold at exorbitant prices.

The message further alleged that the US government imposed taxes via FIFA on their participation, funds that should have gone to players and staff, and that this did not apply to teams who played and based their camps in Canada and Mexico.

Bonuses due to Jordan’s players for the Arab Cup in Qatar have been pending since December, despite the team reaching the final.

The statement comes amid a turbulent spell for Infantino, criticised after his failed push to sell World Cup stakes to private investors, with several FIFA leaders expressing disapproval, including his number 2, Mattias Grafström.

Source: L'Équipe

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