Prince Ali bin Al Hussein, a former FIFA vice‑president, has publicly accused Gianni Infantino of withholding $4.2 million in prize money owed to Jordan’s national team, describing the move as a form of blackmail.
A financial standoff over prize money
The dispute stems from FIFA’s claim of billions in reserves while the Jordanian federation remains unpaid for reaching the final of the 2025 Arab Cup, a tournament held in Qatar. Ali says FIFA has refused to assist Jordan on several fronts for months, a stance he says undermines the sport’s integrity.
Infantino’s controversial proposal to sell a share of World Cup revenues to private investors, backed by Joshua Kushner’s Thrive Eternal fund, has drawn fire from continental bodies. UEFA and CONCACAF have threatened to boycott FIFA events, and the Asian Football Confederation, of which Jordan is a member, has also voiced opposition.
The political tension adds pressure on Infantino, who faces a crucial election on November 18. Candidates must declare their intentions by March 18 in Rabat, Morocco, a deadline that could shape the future of global football governance.