FIFA pays up on overdue prize money after Jordan ‘blackmail’ remark

Jordan's football players and staff have received overdue prize money for their participation in the 2025 Arab Cup final, according to Jordan FA president Prince Ali bin Hussein. This payment comes after Prince Ali accused FIFA of "blackmail," alleging the organization offered to resolve the association's financial issues, including delayed prize money, in exchange for his endorsement of FIFA President Gianni Infantino. Prince Ali stated the funding, owed since December, was received after his public criticism. He maintained that while the payment is welcome, it does not alter his organization's concerns about FIFA's leadership or his decision not to endorse Infantino.

Former FIFA Vice President Prince Ali bin Al Hussein has accused the soccer body, led by President Gianni Infantino, of blackmail. Prince Ali claims that prize money owed to the Jordanian national team for reaching the final of the FIFA Arab Cup in December has not been paid. He alleges that during the World Cup, he was told that endorsing Infantino would help his federation. Prince Ali stated that Jordan upholds ethical values and will not endorse Infantino, calling the withholding of funds a form of blackmail. The unpaid prize money is reported to be $4.2 million. This accusation comes as Infantino faces backlash over a proposed plan to sell stakes in future World Cup profits.

Jordan Football Association President Ali bin Hussein has accused FIFA President Gianni Infantino of "blackmail." Bin Hussein alleges that FIFA offered to help Jordan's FA with its problems in exchange for endorsing Infantino during the World Cup. He stated that this offer was made after months of FIFA refusing assistance. Bin Hussein, a former FIFA vice president, declared that Jordan would not endorse Infantino, calling the situation blackmail. This accusation follows the failure of Infantino's proposal to sell a stake in the World Cup, which was rejected by football confederations and national associations. UEFA has also confirmed sending a document preservation letter to FIFA regarding the failed World Cup selloff, and other executives have distanced themselves from Infantino.