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

What the report says

Jordan Football Association president Ali bin Hussein has publicly accused FIFA president Gianni Infantino of “blackmail,” escalating tensions between Jordan’s football leadership and FIFA after a failed proposal to sell a stake in World Cup commercial operations. In comments reported by Al Jazeera on Tuesday, bin Hussein said FIFA had suggested that endorsing Infantino would help address problems facing Jordan’s federation, which he rejected. He said Jordan would not support Infantino and argued that the exchange reflected pressure on his association.

Bin Hussein, a former FIFA vice president, said Jordan’s federation has faced several unresolved issues, including high ticket prices, visa problems affecting fans, and unpaid reward money related to Jordan’s participation in FIFA competitions. He also said the federation has been dealing with costs linked to World Cup participation in the United States, which he contrasted with arrangements for teams based in Canada and Mexico. Al Jazeera said it contacted FIFA for comment.

The criticism comes amid broader backlash against Infantino after FIFA abandoned the World Cup stake-sale plan following resistance from football confederations and national associations. UEFA has also confirmed it sent FIFA a document preservation letter, signaling continued scrutiny over the proposal. The dispute matters because it highlights deeper friction over FIFA governance, financial priorities and support for smaller national associations, especially as Jordan has made its first World Cup appearance in 2026 and continues to seek overdue payments tied to other tournaments.