Friday, July 08, 2011

GreenBkk.com World Sport | Bin Hammam wants a 'fair FIFA hearing'

Bin Hammam wants a 'fair FIFA hearing'

July 7, 2011 -- Updated 1618 GMT (0018 HKT)


AFC president Mohamed bin Hammam has called for a "fair hearing".

(CNN) -- Asian Football Confederation (AFC) chief Mohamed bin Hammam said on Thursday he hopes to receive a "fair hearing" when FIFA's ethics committee reach a verdict on bribery allegations made against him later this month.

Bin Hammam is accused of offering bribes to bolster support for his campaign to become FIFA president; his case will be heard on July 22 with a decision set to be made the following day.

The 62-year-old has been suspended from football's global governing body since May 29 while FIFA investigated the corruption claims.

Bin Hammam, who has received a report of FIFA's findings, denies any wrongdoing and claimed there has been "bias against" him.

"Despite my disappointment that throughout this entire trial and investigation, there have been continuous leaks of confidential information by persons who, along with their motivations, remain unknown," Bin Hammam said via his web site.

"Despite my observation that public comments were made by certain members directly involved in the process regarding a case that was still under investigation, and despite my earlier comments that there has been a bias against me.

"Despite all these, I am still looking for and hoping to receive a fair hearing -- one which will not be influenced by any political agenda or motivation."

Former FIFA vice president Jack Warner also faced similar allegations, but the case against the Trinidadian was dropped, and his innocence presumed, following his resignation last month.

Two Caribbean football officials, Debbie Minguell and Jason Sylvester, who were suspended along with Bin Hammam in May, will also learn their fates later this month.

"I hope that the decision will be made solely by the members of this committee," continued Bin Hammam, "based solely on the facts presented and not based on assumptions or the wishes of people outside the committee."

Credit: CNN (www.cnn.com)

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