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Prince Ali bin Al Hussein of Jordan publicly criticized the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) congress that took place in Tokyo earlier this week. The congress, which concluded on 12 March, voted to support FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s re‑election for the 2026‑2030 term. Infantino, who has faced criticism in the past for his handling of investment plans for future World Cups, thanked the AFC for its backing after the vote. In a statement posted on the social‑media platform X, Prince Ali first issued a message that was later deleted and replaced with a new one. The revised post read: > “The first two days were about football, which we all earn. The last day was about pure politics at Gianni Infantino’s initiative. > > There have been messages that Asia stands together on who should be elected as FIFA’s next president. The truth is that no one was allowed to speak, ask questions, debate or talk to the media.” The prince also alleged that the congress was conducted under conditions of coercion, threats or bribery, stating: “No form of coercion, threats or bribery should be tolerated.” The AFC responded on 13 March with a statement that it takes the “undocumented and unverified claims of coercion, threats or bribery” seriously, but that such allegations must be supported by credible evidence. The confederation said it would forward the prince’s statements to its legal department for review and, if warranted, to relevant legal authorities in accordance with AFC statutes and regulations. Prince Ali has previously been a vocal critic of FIFA and Infantino. In August, he claimed that Jordan had been blackmailed during the World Cup and had not received the prize money awarded for reaching the final of the Arab Cup. He also said that FIFA had provided limited practical assistance to Jordan during the tournament. Infantino, who has been FIFA president since 2016, has faced mounting pressure from various quarters. In a rare interview on 11 March during a visit to Baku, Azerbaijan, he said he enjoys broad support for his re‑election and that he has no declared opponents. The deadline for submitting a candidacy for the FIFA presidential election is 18 November. To be re‑elected, Infantino must secure a majority of votes from FIFA’s 211 member associations. Article source: Verdens Gang | Image credit: Verdens Gang
Prince Ali bin Al Hussein of Jordan publicly criticized the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) congress that took place in Tokyo earlier this week. The congress, which concluded on 12 March, voted to support FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s re‑election for the 2026‑2030 term. Infantino, who has faced criticism in the past for his handling of investment plans for future World Cups, thanked the AFC for its backing after the vote. In a statement posted on the social‑media platform X, Prince Ali first issued a message that was later deleted and replaced with a new one. The revised post read: > “The first two days were about football, which we all earn. The last day was about pure politics at Gianni Infantino’s initiative. > > There have been messages that Asia stands together on who should be elected as FIFA’s next president. The truth is that no one was allowed to speak, ask questions, debate or talk to the media.” The prince also alleged that the congress was conducted under conditions of coercion, threats or bribery, stating: “No form of coercion, threats or bribery should be tolerated.” The AFC responded on 13 March with a statement that it takes the “undocumented and unverified claims of coercion, threats or bribery” seriously, but that such allegations must be supported by credible evidence. The confederation said it would forward the prince’s statements to its legal department for review and, if warranted, to relevant legal authorities in accordance with AFC statutes and regulations. Prince Ali has previously been a vocal critic of FIFA and Infantino. In August, he claimed that Jordan had been blackmailed during the World Cup and had not received the prize money awarded for reaching the final of the Arab Cup. He also said that FIFA had provided limited practical assistance to Jordan during the tournament. Infantino, who has been FIFA president since 2016, has faced mounting pressure from various quarters. In a rare interview on 11 March during a visit to Baku, Azerbaijan, he said he enjoys broad support for his re‑election and that he has no declared opponents. The deadline for submitting a candidacy for the FIFA presidential election is 18 November. To be re‑elected, Infantino must secure a majority of votes from FIFA’s 211 member associations.
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