The AFC rejects Prince Ali's criticism and refers his statements to the judiciary

On Tuesday, the Asian Football Confederation issued a statement on its official website announcing its rejection of the statements made recently by the President of the Jordanian Federation, Prince Ali bin Al Hussein. Prince Ali had said, through his account on the “X” platform, last Monday, that the President of the International Federation (FIFA), Gianni Infantino, exploited the AFC General Assembly for political purposes as part of his quest for re-election to a new term.

“When it comes to FIFA elections, federation presidents have no say...so any recent claims that members of the continental federations have a role in voting are irrelevant,” Prince Ali wrote. The President of the Asian Confederation, Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa, had supported Infantino’s candidacy for re-election during the association’s extraordinary general assembly.

Prince Ali bin Al Hussein added: “After my return from Tokyo, where the AFC Conference was held, the first two days were about football, which we all serve, while the last day was pure politics at the request of Gianni Infantino.” He continued: “There were reports that Asia had a unified position when it came to electing the next president of FIFA. In fact, no one was allowed to speak, ask questions, discuss, or speak with the media. The absence of transparency leads to the absence of accountability, and no amount of coercion, threats, or bribes should be allowed.”

In its response, the AFC said: “The Federation strongly rejects the proposals made by the President of the Jordanian Federation, related to the conduct of the work of the Extraordinary General Assembly of the AFC and the democratic processes in the member national federations.” He continued: "The General Assembly meeting was held in full accordance with the rules and regulations in force in the Asian Confederation. The internal regulations specify clear procedures for the participation of member national federations in the work of the General Assembly, and these procedures were adhered to throughout its holding."

He added: "During the work of the General Assembly in Tokyo, the President of the Jordanian Federation did not request to speak, nor did any other member national federation submit a similar request. The Jordanian delegation was given the opportunity to participate in accordance with the approved procedures, but no request was submitted." The Football Association of the Yellow Continent continued: “The Federation rejects any suggestion that the work of the General Assembly was not conducted properly, or that the democratic processes of the Federation have been compromised, and the AFC has never restricted its members from communicating with the media. Every member has been, and still is, enjoying complete freedom to express his opinions, whether through the media or through his social media platforms.”

The AFC said: “The Federation takes seriously unsubstantiated allegations, which completely lack any reliable basis, regarding coercion, threats or bribery. Such serious accusations must be based on reliable evidence, and should not be made without a sound factual basis. Accordingly, the Federation will refer the statements issued by the President of the Jordanian Federation, including the allegations he raised, to the competent judicial bodies in the Federation for consideration and to take any additional measures it deems appropriate, in accordance with the AFC Statutes and applicable regulations.” The AFC affirmed its “firm commitment to the principles of good governance, transparency and fair treatment of all member national associations, and will continue to adhere to its statute and regulations, and ensure that the work of the General Assembly is conducted fairly and justly and in accordance with due legal procedures.”