Asian boss faces uncertain future
FIFA needs quick reform, says official.
SINGAPORE:
Mohamed bin Hammam’s slogan is ‘Future’ but the coming days look uncertain for the Asian boss whose bid to lead world football left him barred from the sport and fighting bribery claims.
The Qatari departed the Fifa congress not as the body’s president, or even as a beaten candidate, but battered and bruised by vote-buying allegations which threaten his hold on regional soccer.
“I’m very sad and disappointed over what has happened in the last days,” bin Hammam admitted. “I will never accept how my name and my reputation have been damaged. I will fight for my rights. Good days bring you happiness, bad days bring you experience.”
Bin Hammam’s last act in Zurich was to protest at not being able to appeal against his ban, which leaves China’s Zhang in charge. If bin Hammam cannot clear his name, Zhang will remain in the post for the medium term.
“The Asian football environment is not that healthy,” Zhang said this week, making clear his wish for sweeping changes.”
While the events of recent days have been seismic for Asian football, they also set back hopes of any reforms at Fifa.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 3rd, 2011.
Mohamed bin Hammam’s slogan is ‘Future’ but the coming days look uncertain for the Asian boss whose bid to lead world football left him barred from the sport and fighting bribery claims.
The Qatari departed the Fifa congress not as the body’s president, or even as a beaten candidate, but battered and bruised by vote-buying allegations which threaten his hold on regional soccer.
“I’m very sad and disappointed over what has happened in the last days,” bin Hammam admitted. “I will never accept how my name and my reputation have been damaged. I will fight for my rights. Good days bring you happiness, bad days bring you experience.”
Bin Hammam’s last act in Zurich was to protest at not being able to appeal against his ban, which leaves China’s Zhang in charge. If bin Hammam cannot clear his name, Zhang will remain in the post for the medium term.
“The Asian football environment is not that healthy,” Zhang said this week, making clear his wish for sweeping changes.”
While the events of recent days have been seismic for Asian football, they also set back hopes of any reforms at Fifa.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 3rd, 2011.