Jordan's Football Association President Ali bin Hussein has stepped into a public dispute with FIFA chief Gianni Infantino, accusing the Swiss of using 'blackmail' to secure his support during negotiations surrounding the upcoming World Cup.
The Accusations
According to bin Hussein, FIFA offered assistance to the Jordanian federation on the condition that it publicly back Infantino, a demand that the president refused to meet. He emphasized that Jordan would not endorse the FIFA president under any circumstances, citing a commitment to ethical standards.
The dispute is set against a backdrop of financial strain for the Jordanian side. High ticket prices, denied visas for fans traveling to the United States, and delayed reward payments for players and staff have compounded the association's frustrations.
Financial Pressures and Unpaid Rewards
Jordanian officials say they are being taxed by the U.S. government through FIFA for participation in the World Cup, a burden not faced by teams from Canada or Mexico. At the same time, the association has yet to receive the promised Arab Cup final payout from Qatar, a sum that has remained unpaid since December.
FIFA's Stake Proposal and Its Rejection
Earlier in the year, Infantino floated the idea of selling a stake in the World Cup to raise billions for global football development. The proposal was met with opposition from confederations and national associations, which imposed a September 19 deadline for a decision. Ultimately, the plan was abandoned, leaving the financial expectations of several federations, including Jordan's, unmet.
Jordan did manage to qualify for the World Cup for the first time in its history, only to exit in the group stage. The early exit has intensified scrutiny on the federation's management and its ability to secure promised financial support from international tournaments.