Share

FIFA bars Bin Hammam

Zurich - FIFA's former presidential candidate Mohamed bin Hammam, temporarily banned over cash-for-votes allegations, was barred entry to soccer governing body's annual congress on Wednesday.

The Qatari, who withdrew his candidacy shortly before being banned by FIFA's ethics committee on Sunday, said he would never accept they way in which his name had been tarnished.

"I will never accept how my name and my reputation have been damaged. I will fight for my rights. I thank all the people who have supported me during the last weeks and will support me further," Bin Hammam said in a statement.

"Good days bring you happiness, bad days bring you experience," added Bin Hammam, who cannot exercise his duties as president of the Asian Football Confederation and FIFA executive committee member while he is banned.

Bin Hammam's withdrawal has left incumbent Sepp Blatter set to be re-elected unopposed later on Wednesday.

A statement issued by Bin Hammam's spokesperson said: "Despite his explicit written request, he was not provided with the motivated decision of his suspension in due course and he was not able to file his appeal and was denied his last opportunity to get access to the FIFA congress.

"There is absolutely no justification for a suspension.

The statement also criticised the conduct of FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke.

"The suspension is not necessary to conduct the investigation but constituted a grave violation of his reputation and created substantial damage without any necessity.

"The behaviour of the FIFA secretary general at the media conference on Sunday evening was absolutely unacceptable and against all principles of justice," it added.

"Sitting next to the chairman of the independent ethics committee, he abused the event to voice his personal opinions and to comment on the results.

"Because of this very unfair treatment, Mohamed Bin Hammam reserves all his rights, against this unprofessional and one-sided attitude, with the judicial bodies of FIFA and beyond."


We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
How much would you be prepared to pay for a ticket to watch the Springboks play against the All Blacks at Ellis Park or Cape Town Stadium this year?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
R0 - R200
33% - 1817 votes
R200 - R500
32% - 1777 votes
R500 - R800
19% - 1083 votes
R800 - R1500
8% - 461 votes
R1500 - R2500
3% - 187 votes
I'd pay anything! It's the Boks v All Blacks!
5% - 254 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE