Asian Football Confederation Orders Judicial Review Into Prince Ali’s Criticisms of FIFA President Gianni Infantino
The Asian Football Confederation has directed its judicial bodies to review statements made by Jordan Football Association chief Prince Ali bin Hussein regarding the recent extraordinary congress in Tokyo. The disciplinary scrutiny follows Prince Ali’s public criticism of FIFA President Gianni Infantino, whom the Jordanian football chief accused of steering the continental gathering for political objectives.
During the Tokyo meeting, AFC President Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa formally endorsed Infantino for re-election. Following the proceedings, Prince Ali asserted that delegates were denied opportunities to speak, question, or debate agenda items, characterizing the final day of the congress as politically motivated maneuvers directed by the FIFA leadership.
In response, the AFC stated on Tuesday that neither Prince Ali nor representatives from any other member association formally requested floor time during the sessions. The confederation added that any allegations implying coercion, intimidation, or bribery must be backed by credible proof, prompting the decision to forward the remarks to its internal judicial committees for evaluation.
Prince Ali responded to the referral late Wednesday in a social media statement, confirming his willingness to engage with the process. He emphasized his respect for the continental governing body and its administrative mechanisms, stating that he would cooperate fully with any formal inquiry.
Clarifying his previous remarks, Prince Ali stated that his initial commentary was designed to elucidate the FIFA presidential voting mechanics and emphasize transparency within international football administration. He maintained that his concluding remark addressing coercion, threats, and bribery represented a foundational principle rather than a direct accusation against any individual. He added that concerns belong within competent administrative bodies and confirmed he would make no further public statements while the matter remains under review.
Infantino, who has headed FIFA since 2016, faces a re-election contest in March. His campaign follows an apology for a previously abandoned proposal to sell commercial stakes in FIFA tournaments. The recent endorsement by the AFC represented a notable reversal from its stance three months prior, when the confederation publicly accused FIFA of a fundamental breach of trust regarding that commercial proposal.
As the upcoming FIFA presidential election approaches, Prince Ali reiterated that the Jordan Football Association intends to cast its ballot independently, in accordance with established FIFA statutes.
