Infantino criticism lands Jordan FA chief judicial review with AFC

The Asian Football Confederation has ordered a judicial review following allegations that FIFA President Gianni Infantino used last week's AFC Congress in Tokyo for political purposes. Jordan Football Association chief Prince Ali bin Hussein made the accusations after the AFC endorsed Infantino's re-election.

Congress allegations

Prince Ali claimed delegates had not been allowed to speak, question or debate matters during the final day of the congress, describing it as "pure politics at the behest of Gianni Infantino." The AFC countered that neither Prince Ali nor any other member association's representatives had requested to speak.

Response and next steps

The AFC stated that allegations involving coercion, threats or bribery should be supported by credible evidence and would refer Prince Ali's statements to its judicial bodies. Prince Ali emphasized his post was intended to explain FIFA presidential voting and highlight transparency in football governance.

"It was a statement of principle, not an allegation against any person," Prince Ali clarified, adding he would make no further comment while the matter remains under consideration. Infantino, who has led FIFA since 2016, is seeking re-election in March after apologizing for his abandoned proposal to sell a stake in FIFA competitions.