FIFA releases delayed funds to Jordan after leaked blackmail allegations
FIFA has released long-overdue prize money to Jordan’s Football Association, but Prince Ali bin Hussein insists the payment will not change his opposition to Gianni Infantino’s leadership.
Jordan’s Football Association has confirmed receiving long-overdue prize money for the national team’s run to the 2025 FIFA Arab Cup final, ending an eight-month wait.
The payment came shortly after FA president Prince Ali bin Hussein publicly accused FIFA of using financial support as leverage to secure backing for president Gianni Infantino’s re-election campaign.
Prince Ali thanked FIFA’s administration for releasing the funds but stressed that the payment did not change his position on the governing body’s leadership.
He reiterated that Jordan would neither endorse nor vote for Infantino, arguing the delayed payment reflected wider governance issues within world football.
The dispute is linked to the wider fallout surrounding FIFA’s abandoned FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal, which triggered criticism from several football associations.
FIFA has since apologised for its handling of the initiative, acknowledging mistakes in the process while pledging to improve transparency and review its decision-making procedures.
Prince Ali had alleged that FIFA officials suggested support for Infantino would help resolve Jordan’s outstanding issues, including delayed prize money.
FIFA has not publicly addressed the blackmail allegations but has maintained its backing for Infantino following an emergency meeting, despite growing opposition from several national associations.
