AFC Judicial Review: Jordan Chief Responds

Prince Ali bin Hussein, the head of the Jordan Football Association, stated on Wednesday that he will fully cooperate with an upcoming judicial review by the Asian Football Confederation. This legal step follows his public criticism of FIFA President Gianni Infantino regarding the conduct of last week's continental congress in Tokyo.

During the extraordinary meeting, AFC President Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa endorsed Infantino for re-election. Prince Ali alleged that delegates were barred from speaking, questioning, or debating key issues. He described the final day of the event as pure politics at the behest of Gianni Infantino.

The AFC responded on Tuesday by noting that no representatives from member associations, including Prince Ali, had formally requested to speak. The confederation further stated that claims of coercion, threats, or bribery require credible evidence to be substantiated.

In a post on X late Wednesday, Prince Ali affirmed his respect for the AFC and its judicial bodies. He explained that his earlier remarks were intended to clarify the FIFA presidential voting process and emphasize the need for transparency in governance.

He clarified that his statement was a declaration of principle rather than an allegation against any specific individual. The Jordan Football Association, he noted, will cast its vote independently in the upcoming FIFA presidential election as per FIFA Statutes.

Prince Ali said he would refrain from further comment while the matter is under consideration. Infantino, who has led FIFA since 2016, is seeking re-election in March. He recently apologized for an abandoned proposal to sell a stake in FIFA competitions, a move that prompted the AFC to accuse FIFA of a fundamental breach of trust three months prior to the Tokyo vote.

The shift in the AFC's stance represents a notable change from its previous position. Prince Ali maintains that the proper venue for addressing such concerns is the competent bodies, and he stands by the principle that no election should be open to coercion or bribery.