Jordan FA President: FIFA pays overdue prize money, but 'serious concerns' over Infantino's leadership remain

Published Aug 4, 06:26 PM UTC

Prince Ali bin Al Hussein, president of the Jordanian Football Association (JFA), stated that FIFA has finally paid outstanding prize money from December's Arab Cup to Jordan's staff and players, eight months late. However, he emphasized that this does not resolve his 'serious concerns' with FIFA's leadership under President Gianni Infantino. Prince Ali had previously accused FIFA of attempting to 'blackmail' the JFA into endorsing Infantino's reelection bid by withholding assistance on three issues: visa difficulties for Jordanian World Cup fans, unexpected U.S. tax liabilities for players, and the unpaid Arab Cup prize money. He reiterated that the JFA will not endorse or vote for Infantino, calling the delayed payment 'symptomatic' of the difficulties faced by football associations linked to FIFA presidential elections. The controversy adds to mounting pressure on Infantino ahead of the FIFA elections.