Bin Hammam quits FIFA presidential race

Asian Football Confederation chief Mohamed Bin Hammam has withdrawn from Wednesday’s FIFA presidential election amid corruption allegations.

Bin Hammam, who was challenging incumbent Sepp Blatter to the throne of world football’s governing body, is the subject of a FIFA ethics committee investigation over accusations he and CONCACAF chief Jack Warner bribed Caribbean Football Union officials for their votes in the 2022 World Cup bidding process.

A statement from Bin Hammam said: “I made the decision to run for the FIFA presidency because I was and remain committed to change within FIFA.”

“I set out my goals and ambitions clearly – to further the cause of democracy within FIFA – through a commitment to transparency and accountability; through a commitment to expand the number of officials and nations involved in decision-making processes.”

“However, recent events have left me hurt and disappointed – on a professional and personal level.”

“It saddens me that standing up for the causes that I believed in has come at a great price – the degradation of FIFA’s reputation. This is not what I had in mind for FIFA and this is unacceptable.”

“I cannot allow the name that I loved to be dragged more and more in the mud because of competition between two individuals.”

“The game itself and the people who love it around the world must come first.”

“It is for this reason that I announce my withdrawal from the presidential election.”

“I will not put my personal ambition ahead of FIFA’s dignity and integrity.”

“Besides, I believe my candidacy has been a catalyst for debate within FIFA and has brought change to the top of the agenda.”

The Qatari native will appear before the ethics committee on Sunday, while Blatter has also been summoned following claims he knew about the alleged bribes and did nothing.

“I pray that my withdrawal will not be tied to the investigation held by the FIFA Ethics Committee as I will appear before the Ethics Committee to clear my name from the baseless allegations that have been made against me.”

“I promise those who stood by me that I will walk with my head held high and will continue to fight for the good of the game.”