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Bin Hammam urges Asia to rally behind him for FIFA presidency

(China Daily)
Updated: 2011-04-15 07:41

Asian Football Confederation President Mohamed Bin Hammam talks at a news conference in Sydney in this March 26, 2005 file photo. [Photo/Agencies]

NEW DELHI - Asia soccer chief Mohamad Bin Hammam oozed charm and geniality as he urged the continent to rally behind him on Thursday in his bid to unseat FIFA president Sepp Blatter in the governing body's June election.

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) chief said the entire region should support this "Asian project" which, if successful, would end Blatter's 13-year reign at the helm.

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"I'm hoping that this attempt is going to be an Asian project, being for all of Asia," the 61-year-old Qatari told reporters after a South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) seminar.

"I'm representing all of you in this room and all of you in this continent. I will have to seek your support and I wish that every one of you pray that Asia will succeed in getting a FIFA president this time."

Bin Hammam insisted he had as much chance as his 75-year-old Swiss opponent in the June 1 election in Zurich and claimed the wind of change blowing through FIFA corridors could further tilt the balance in his favour.

"I gave myself a 50 percent chance and I hope this 50 percent grows," he added.

"It's not about competing against one who has been in the seat for so long. The idea is, a lot of people are looking forward to changes and are looking forward to new ideas. With their support, the number can grow further."

Reuters