By David Gold
November 24 – Zhang Jilong (pictured right), the acting President of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), has claimed that it is “business as normal” after a controversial year for the organisation.
Jilong is currently filling the void left by Mohamed Bin Hammam, expelled from FIFA after its Ethics Committee found him guilty of bribery during his failed Presidential campaign to depose Sepp Blatter (pictured left).
“It’s business like normal and the affairs of the confederation are running competently and smoothly,” Jilong said at the AFC Executive Committee meeting.
“It’s a new era of optimism, respect and cooperation between AFC and FIFA.
“We need FIFA’s backing and support as we try [to take] Asian football to the next level.
“The need of the hour is stability with AFC and improved relations with FIFA.
“With stability comes confidence and with confidence comes strength.
“We need all this help to help Asian football develop.
“It’s time to turn over a new page, to move on, confidently and by linking our arms together.”
AFC rules mean that a replacement for Bin Hammam cannot be confirmed until next year.
Jilong also expressed his sorrow at the tragic death of two people at the South East Asian Games final in Jakarta, where Indonesia were taking on Malaysia.
With the 88,000 capacity stadium sold out, a deadly crush occurred as spectators broke through safety barriers, and police are now set to investigate the incident.
“We are very sorry to hear such bad news – all football matches should be made secure by all member associations,” he said.
“They should take care not only of the players on the field but also the fans who are so excited outside the field.
“So we should take action to ask the Indonesian football federation to give us a detailed report about this.”
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