Bin Hammam isolated as Asia fails to offer him support after life ban

By Duncan Mackay in Zurich

July 24 – Mohamed Bin Hammam today continued to protest his innocence after being given a life ban for bribery by FIFA but the lack of support for him, especially from Asia, was deafening.

Bin Hammam, the President of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), who was not here to hear the decision against him, used his Twitter feed to defend himself.

He also published a letter from FIFA President Sepp Blatter on his website from more than three years ago in which the Swiss thanked him for his backing during his first 10 years in charge.

“Without you dear Mohamed, none of this would ever have been possible,” wrote Blatter, a passage highlighted by Bin Hammam on his website.

But there was little support for Bin Hammam from Zhang Jilong, who has been acting President of the AFC since Bin Hammam was suspended in May.

“This is a sad day for AFC and Asian football,” said Zhang, who is from China and is now the favourite to succeed Bin Hammam.

“AFC respects world football governing body FIFA’s decision and we also acknowledge former AFC President Mohamed bin Hammam’s inalienable right to lodge an appeal against the decision.

“AFC has nothing more to say on this particular issue.”

He added: “This is a difficult period for us because Asian football is currently facing multiple challenges, the biggest of which is match-fixing.

“I, in my capacity as the acting AFC President, am aware of the urgent need to provide a strong leadership that will work closely with the member associations towards creating a climate of trust and confidence.

“During my provisional presidency, I promise that AFC will govern the continent’s football affairs in complete transparency, fairness and harmony.”

The decision of the FIFA Ethics Committee was announced at the same time Qatar was beginning its campaign to qualify for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil with a 3-0 victory over Vietnam.

Qatar Football Association President Sheik Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmad Al Thani refused to comment when asked after the match to offer support to Bin Hammam.

Officials from the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain football associations also declined comment on the case.

Instead there was condemnation from former AFC general secretary Peter Velappan, who described Bin Hammam as “the architect of bribery and corruption” in the region.

“Justice is done and it’s good for FIFA and good for football,” Velappan, a long-time critic of Bin Hammam.

“I hope FIFA will continue this relentless effort to also bring the other rogues in the FIFA Executive Committee to account.”

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