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FIFA president Gianni Infantino is facing explosive allegations of blackmail from the head of the Jordan Football Association as his hold over the FIFA presidency continues to come under increasing strain. The dramatic claims have emerged only days after the Swiss administrator was forced into an embarrassing climbdown over proposals to sell billion-dollar stakes in the World Cup.

Shocking allegations of unethical conduct

In a sensational twist that has shaken world football, Jordan FA president Prince Ali bin Hussein has accused Infantino of using "blackmail" to win political backing. The allegations came in an extraordinary statement in which the Jordanian chief explained how FIFA allegedly held back crucial funds and support while seeking his endorsement for Infantino's fourth term as president.

Withheld prize money and ethical concerns

In the statement, Hussein described the alleged pressure, saying: "There is no shortage of issues regarding FIFA. Let me start by clarifying what some of these are from an FA perspective, in particular that of Jordan going into a World Cup for the first time.

"First, getting our fans into the USA: not all were granted VISAS, even though they had tickets - which we also know were sold at exorbitant prices. Secondly, we are being taxed by the US government through FIFA for our participation. Money that should go to players and staff."

The accusations extended further, including financial rewards from earlier tournaments that, according to Hussein, are still unpaid despite FIFA's immense wealth. Hussein added: "Thirdly, we have been waiting for reward money for our players since December for the Arab Cup in Qatar, which is a FIFA event. The money our team should receive for having reached the final has not been delivered yet, while at the same time FIFA brags about how many billions they have in reserve.

"It is clear the problem really is with leadership. For months, FIFA has been refusing to help us on any of these or other matters - until it was verbally communicated to me during the World Cup that if I endorsed Infantino it would go a long way to helping our FA out.

"We pride ourselves in Jordan in upholding ethical values. We did not endorse him before and certainly will not now. But the whole situation amounts to blackmail and we refuse to give in to that."

Global rebellion and legal threats

The timing of these allegations could hardly be worse for Infantino, who is already dealing with the fallout from the collapse of the controversial World Cup sell-off plan that would have allowed private investors to take stakes in the tournament. UEFA has adopted a hard line, not only urging the president to resign but also warning against the destruction of any related evidence. The European governing body has even issued a formal legal notice to the FIFA chief, demanding that every document linked to the failed commercial subsidiary be retained. Pressure is intensifying, with 91 nations now believed to be opposed to Infantino remaining in power.

Infantino fights for survival

As the crisis deepens, Infantino has been conducting emergency meetings in Morocco to deal with the internal revolt within his own staff. The consequences of the failed $20 billion project have badly damaged his standing, with UEFA declaring a complete lack of confidence.

Despite the growing demands for him to step down, Infantino has so far given no indication that he intends to resign of his own accord. However, the blackmail allegations from Jordan bring a fresh and darker edge to the political battle. With more member associations weighing their stance, the prospect of an extraordinary FIFA Congress and a formal vote of no confidence is now looming ever larger.