April 19 – Bahrain Football Association President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa has issued the following statement regarding an article published by Insideworldfootball April 16.
Statement by Bahrain Football Association President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa candidate for the positions of Asian Football Confederation President & FIFA Executive Committee Member
In reference to the article which has been published by Paul Nicholson and Mark Baber of Inside World Football on Tuesday, 16 April 2013 connecting my person to the allegations of a series of human rights abuses in my home country Bahrain, as well as the alleged vote buying accusation during the 2009 AFC elections for the FIFA Executive Committee.
“As already outlined to the media I can only reiterate the fact that – in my capacity as the President of the Bahrain Football Association (BFA) – I have always been committed to manage, control and develop our game independently and autonomously without any kind of outside interference. I can assure anyone that the BFA is being guided according to the highest possible governance standards of integrity and transparency – fully in line with the AFC and FIFA Statutes.
As for the second part of the serious allegations which are being raised against my 2009 campaign, I can only vehemently deny this as there has never been any kind of misconduct or unethical behaviour with regards to my election program. My campaign will always be based on the values of discipline and respect. I hope that – regardless of the outcome on the 2nd of May – all candidates will act in the spirit of Fair Play.”
To follow my campaign and read about my vision for Asian football please visit:
www.asiaunited2013.com www.facebook.com/asiaunited2013 www.twitter.com/asiaunited2013
