Andrew Warshaw
May 16 – FIFA’s Thai executive committee member Worawi Makudi publicly confirmed today that he plans to file charges against former English Football Association chairman Lord Triesman for making bribery accusations against him over England’s 2018 World Cup bid.
Makudi categorically denies Triesman’s accusations that he demanded television rights to a proposed Thailand-England friendly in exchange for supporting England’s bid to host the tournament.
Makudi told reporters that “the accusations are not true and groundless”, saying he had “to speak out because my reputation has been tarnished and it defames my family”.
The Thai administrator said he would file charges against Triesman in a British court and is understood to have hired a London-based law firm to act on his behalf.
“The claims Triesman made are groundless and I am putting together a legal team to fight these charges,” he said.
“I have a very strong case and I will present evidence to prove these allegations are not true.
“I don’t know why they were made.
“I cannot say much, to be prudent with the legal case,” he said.
“I have a legal team to handle this case and they are gathering evidence, I believe I have key evidence to prove my case.”
Makudi may have difficulties with his legal action, however, because Triesman’s comments were made under Parliamentary privilege that cannot be used in a court of law.
At a press conference in Bangkok, Makudi also insisted that he was still president of the Football Association of Thailand (FAT) despite claims on Friday (May 13) saying the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) had removed him from the post.
Makudi was to be challenged for the Presidency earlier this month, but the election was postponed when the Executive Board said some of the clubs had more than one voting representative.
Because no election had been held within the required time limit after Makudi’s presidency expired at the end of 2010, his position apparently became void.
Contact the writer of this story at zib.l1734785048labto1734785048ofdlr1734785048owedi1734785048sni@w1734785048ahsra1734785048w.wer1734785048dna1734785048
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