By Duncan Mackay in Zurich
June 1 – New Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Zhang Jilong today promised a “revolution” to help repair the damage caused by the alleged bribery allegations involving Mohamed Bin Hammam.
Zhang has replaced Bin Hammam, who was provisionally suspended on Sunday (May 29) for allegedly trying to bribe members of the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) to vote for him the Presential election, officially on a temporary basis.
But Zhang gave the impression here that he expects the Qatari to be handed a longer ban and for him to assume the role permanently.
“The Asian football environment is not that healthy,” Zhang told Chinese state broadcaster CCTV.
“We need, let’s say, revolution.
We need reform.
“Scandals such as Bin Hammam’s bribery allegations harm the sport’s beauty.
“Anyone who does not show transparency should pay for it.
“My priority at the new post is to ease the negative effect of Bin Hammam’s corruption allegations on Asian soccer.
“We should aim to improve the AFC’s operations and make it run more transparently.
“I hope to solidify the whole Asian soccer community and make the federation operate steadily after the crisis.”
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