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Jordan FA chief slams Infantino for politicising AFC Congress

Prince Ali bin Hussein has accused FIFA president Gianni Infantino of exploiting the Asian Football Confederation Congress to bolster his re-election campaign. The Jordanian football administrator claims the governing body's regional meeting was inappropriately used as a political platform.

LSN Malaysia · 25 October 2026

Jordan FA chief slams Infantino for politicising AFC Congress

Prince Ali bin Hussein, a senior figure in Jordanian football, has levelled criticism at FIFA president Gianni Infantino over his conduct at the recent Asian Football Confederation Congress. According to the prince, Infantino utilised the AFC's congress meeting to advance his presidential re-election bid, transforming what should have been a focused football governance forum into a political event.

The accusations highlight ongoing tensions surrounding Infantino's leadership of world football's governing body. The FIFA president has faced scrutiny from various quarters regarding his management style and decision-making processes within international football administration.

The AFC Congress, which brings together football officials from across Asia, is traditionally a venue for discussing regional football matters, development initiatives, and governance issues affecting Asian clubs and national teams. Prince Ali's complaint suggests that the meeting was diverted from its intended purpose to serve Infantino's political interests.

The incident underscores broader debates within global football administration about the appropriate use of international forums and the separation of administrative functions from electoral campaigns. As FIFA prepares for its presidential elections, questions about governance and institutional integrity continue to surface among football leaders across different continents.