By Andrew Warshaw
May 23 – FIFA general secretary Jerome Valcke (pictured) has rejected accusations that Mohammed Bin Hammam was asked to scrap his election challenge to Sepp Blatter because of the corruption allegations concerning Qatar’s 2022 World Cup bid.
Unconfirmed reports in the German media suggest Bin Hammam, Asian Football Confederation President, was privately urged to quit the race and allow Blatter to run unchallenged on June 1.
In a formal statement Valcke said: “Contrary to some current media allegations, I want to make it very clear that neither I, nor anyone else at FIFA, have asked Mr Mohammed Bin Hammam at any point to withdraw his candidature for the upcoming FIFA Presidency election.
Valcke has always attempted to portray himself as the voice of reason and openness, steering a diplomatic line amid the maelstrom of allegations swirling round FIFA.
He insists there was no wrongdoing.
He said: “The last time I met the AFC President was at the CONMEBOL Congress in Asuncion on May 1, where we simply greeted each other.
“Again, these allegations are totally untrue.”
Contact the writer of this story at zib.l1734832739labto1734832739ofdlr1734832739owedi1734832739sni@w1734832739ahsra1734832739w.wer1734832739dna1734832739
Related stories
May 2011: Blatter blames rival for bringing in man alleged to have delivered Qatar bribes
May 2011: Bin Hammam takes aim at Blatter as FIFA Presidential race intensifies
May 2011: FIFA will “disappear into a black hole” if rival wins warns Blatter
May 2011: Blatter predicting victory in FIFA election by two-thirds majority
May 2011: “New atmosphere” needed for FIFA claims Bin Hammam