Former FIFA vice president, Prince Ali bin Al Hussein, expressed criticism towards FIFA’s leadership under Gianni Infantino. He accused the organization of withholding prize money from the Jordan national team, a move he described as a form of blackmail.

Prince Ali highlighted that the Jordanian federation still awaits payment for reaching the final of the FIFA Arab Cup in December in Qatar. In a social media statement, he noted that during the World Cup, he was advised that endorsing FIFA President Gianni Infantino might benefit the Jordanian Football Association.

Infantino faces challenges in maintaining his presidency amid backlash over a plan to sell a stake in future World Cup profits. Prince Ali, committed to ethical standards, refuses to endorse Infantino, describing the situation as blackmail.

Jordan was promised $4.2 million after the FIFA Arab Cup final against Morocco, according to Jordanian reports. Despite reaching the final, the funds remain unpaid, with FIFA’s reserves reportedly in billions. Prince Ali criticized FIFA’s lack of support on various issues.

FIFA was contacted for comments on these claims. In FIFA’s history, Prince Ali served on its executive committee from 2011 to 2015. He contested against Sepp Blatter in 2015, during elections held against a backdrop of investigations by U.S. and Swiss authorities.

Gianni Infantino seemed poised for re-election for a fourth term leading FIFA. However, his secretive equity plan, backed by Kushner’s Thrive Eternal fund, prompted political uproar. UEFA is considering alternatives to Infantino and has threatened to boycott FIFA activities.

The deadline for candidates to announce their intention to run is set for November 18, with elections scheduled for March 18 in Rabat, Morocco.