GOAL reported on Wednesday that Prince Ali bin Al Hussein would cooperate fully with any proceedings by the Asian Football Confederation's judicial bodies after the controversy followed the extraordinary AFC congress in Tokyo. The matter followed the AFC's decision to refer his comments to its competent judicial bodies for consideration.
Dispute at the Tokyo congress
At the congress, AFC president Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa announced his full support for Gianni Infantino's re-election as FIFA president. GOAL reported that Gianni Infantino is seeking re-election next March.
Prince Ali had accused Gianni Infantino of exploiting the AFC congress for political ends and described the final day of the congress as "pure politics instigated by Gianni Infantino".
Prince Ali's position
The Jordan Football Association president said: "I respect the Asian Football Confederation and its judicial bodies, and I will cooperate fully with any proceedings."
Prince Ali said delegates were not allowed to speak, ask questions or discuss any matters at the congress. He also said the Jordan Football Association would cast its vote in the FIFA presidential elections independently, as FIFA's regulations stipulate.
Prince Ali said his earlier post was meant to clarify the voting process and underline the importance of transparency in football governance. He said he would say nothing more while the matter remains under consideration.
AFC response
In an official statement on Tuesday, the AFC said that neither Prince Ali nor any representatives of the member associations had asked to make statements during the congress.
The AFC also said serious allegations of coercion, threats or bribery must be backed by credible evidence, and said it had referred Prince Ali's comments to its competent judicial bodies for consideration.
Statement on election principles
Prince Ali said: "The final sentence states a principle shared by the entire football family: no elections should be open to coercion, threats or bribery, and I support this principle. It was a statement of principle, not an accusation against anyone."
