On Tuesday, August 4, 2026, Jordan Football Association President Ali bin Hussein launched a public attack on FIFA President Gianni Infantino, accusing him of "blackmail". Bin Hussein claimed that FIFA offered to help solve Jordan's football-related problems in exchange for his endorsement of Infantino.

Bin Hussein alleged that during the FIFA World Cup, FIFA verbally communicated that endorsing Infantino “would go a long way to helping our FA out” after months of the governing body refusing assistance on various matters. He stated on the social media platform X, “We did not endorse him before and certainly will not now,” adding, “But the whole situation amounts to blackmail and we refuse to give in to that.”

This rebuke comes amid growing opposition to Infantino within football's hierarchy following his abandonment of a controversial proposal to sell a stake in the FIFA World Cup. Soccer confederations and national associations rejected the idea after a September 19 deadline imposed by Swiss officials.

Bin Hussein, a former FIFA vice president, highlighted several grievances faced by the Jordan FA as a small nation with a minimal budget. These included fans paying "exorbitant prices for tickets" while being denied visas for the World Cup in the United States, and outstanding reward money for players' participation in the 2025 Arab Cup, a FIFA-organised tournament.

FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom and former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger were among executives who distanced themselves from Infantino's leadership, with Bin Hussein asserting there was a problem with the current leadership.

Sources