Chung endorses Bin Hammam bid
Reuters - Tuesday 05 April 2011, 12:10
SEOUL - Mohamed Bin Hammam received a
boost to his campaign to become FIFA president when he was
backed by his former foe and ex-FIFA executive committee member
Chung Mong-joon on Tuesday.
The 61-year-old faces a tough ask in ousting incumbent Sepp
Blatter as head of football's world governing body in the June
election with the Swiss having held the position for 13 years.
Dr Chung, pictured sitting alongside Bin Hammam, famously
questioned the Qatari's mental health two years ago at the Asian
Football Confederation Congress, said he was the right man for
the job.
"We welcome the candidacy of Asian Football Confederation
president Mohammed Bin Hammam," Chung told reporters at a media
conference in Seoul.
"Blatter has served as FIFA secretary general and president
for 30 years. Now it's time for him to give way to a new
person."
Chung, who surprisingly lost his FIFA vice-president seat to
Prince Ali of Jordan at the AFC Congress in January, remains an
influential figure in world soccer having been part of the FIFA
executive committee since 1994 and his family owning the giant
Hyundai conglomerate.
The Korean, honorary chairman of the Korean Football
Association (KFA), was once considered a possible challenger to
Blatter at the June 1 FIFA congress in Zurich and his presence
in Bin Hammam's campaign could help sway votes.
Bin Hammam, who is touring the world canvassing support,
launched his bid to become the first Asian president of FIFA two
weeks ago in Kuala Lumpur when he revealed a manifesto based on
making the organisation more open to the public.
Chung questioned Blatter's popularity.
"In terms of finances, FIFA is more successful than the
(International Olympic Committee) IOC and the president should
be admired, beloved and respected but Blatter is not.
"I can't say Bin Hammam is perfect but he is the right
candidate to bring change and revolution to FIFA."