FIFA presidential hopeful 'gifted' coach to PFF in exchange for vote

It was publicly acknowledged that Sheikh Salman personally helped PFF because of his friendship Faisal Saleh Hayat


News Desk February 26, 2016
Sheikh Salman of Bahrain. PHOTO: REUTERS

FIFA presidential favourite Sheikh Salman of Bahrain arranged to gift Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) a national coach in March 2013, according to Sportsmail.

According to the British newspaper, the arrangement of the gift came ahead of a crucial election and led to PFF voting in 2013 in favour of Sheikh Salman becoming the president of the Asian confederation (the AFC). However, Sheikh Salman’s representatives categorically denied that the coach was provided to secure support for his campaign.

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Subsequently, a man from Bahrain, Mohammed al Shamlan took over as Pakistan's international football manager in the summer of 2013.

Dismissing any suggestion that the appointment was untoward, sources close to Sheikh Salman said, “One football federation helping another is not prohibited.” The PFF reportedly approached the Bahrain Football Federation for assistance after the previous coach was dismissed for poor performances.

“The spirit of co-operation and friendship between the two football governing bodies has lasted for many years, and will continue for many more,” Sheikh Salman’s spokesperson said.

However, FIFA's code of ethics differs from Sheikh Salman's stance. According to Article 20, any gifts that may create conflict of interests are prohibited. FIFA authorities declined to comment on the matter.

It was publicly acknowledged when Al Shamlan started work in August 2013 that Sheikh Salman had personally helped the PFF because of his friendship with PFF president Faisal Saleh Hayat. But, a joint investigation by Sportsmail and a local newspaper in Pakistan claimed otherwise.

According to the two news agencies, al Shamlan was elected five months before he took office.

Official minutes of a PFF meeting later in 2013, revealed by Sportsmail, show Hayat expressing gratitude to Sheikh Salman for his assistance.

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"Being a very close friend of mine, he [Salman] has, on my personal request, provided services of their top national coach, Mr Shamlan, to PFF for the period of two years on gratis basis," the recording said.

Sportsmail and the PFF further confirmed that once Sheikh Salman was in office at the AFC, a development grant to the PFF from the AFC worth $1,750 per month was put in place to top-up Al Shamlan’s salary of $10,000 per month.

This article originally appeared on Mail Online.

COMMENTS (1)

curious2 | 8 years ago | Reply Accepting a bribe is just as bad as giving a bribe. In order to demonstrate this wasn't a bribe Pakistan should abstain from voting.
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