FIFA presidential candidate Mohamed Bin Hammam says his promise of more cash for the 208 member-associations as part of his election pledge is not a decoy incentive to win over votes. Bin Hammam, who is running against current FIFA chief Sepp Blatter, said he was confident after meeting senior figures from the FA in London, as he extended his vision if he comes into power when the new president is elected at Congress in Zurich on June 1.
He has promised to double FIFAs annual financial support to each member association to $500 000.
“I have had a lot of support since declaring my manifesto and I think I am well placed,” he told reporters.
“I said when I announced my candidacy that my chances were 50-50 and although I would not change that figure I am feeling confident.
“People want to hear what the candidate is going to help them with. The need for the funds is essential for national associations – they need to have development projects, national teams, youth teams, facilities and it all costs money. This is not an improper act – people should know what I’m planning.”
The 61-year-old made it clear he would not use any tension towards FIFA as a springboard for his own agenda following England’s failure to win the rights to host the 2018 World Cup.
“I will not try to misuse this – I am more interested in explaining myself and my manifesto. I have a good relationship with the FA and the Premier League and I hope every member association will give me the opportunity to present my vision for the future.
“I hope it (the campaign) will remain a fair-play one. I’m only interested in doing what I can to promote myself, to speak about my business, my manifesto.”
The FA confirmed their meeting with Bin Hammam via a statement on their official website
“The FA met the president of the Asian Football Confederation, Mohamed Bin Hammam, at Wembley on Thursday. The FA was represented by its chairman David Bernstein, general secretary Alex Horne and head of international relations Jane Bateman.
“The meeting covered a range of topics and Mr Bin Hammam took the opportunity to update the FA on his candidacy for FIFA president. This matter will be considered by the FA Board at its meeting on May 19.” (Goal.com)