Asian Football Confederation: We respect FIFA's decision to ban Mohamed bin Hammam for life from football

The senior vice-president of the Asian Football Confederation, Zhang Jilong, has issued the organisation's official reaction to the life ban handed out by FIFA to former president Mohamed bin Hammam.

Bin Hammam, who hails from Qatar, was found guilty of giving out bribes in order to win votes in FIFA's presidential election, with the world governing body passing out the most severe punishment possible.

"This is a sad day for the AFC and Asian football," the official press release read. "AFC respects world football governing body FIFA’s decision and we also acknowledge former AFC President Mohamed bin Hammam’s inalienable right to lodge an appeal against the decision. AFC has nothing more to say on this particular issue."

Jilong, who wished to avoid becoming too entangled in the controversial affair, went on to state that there are a number of issues facing football in the region, which his organization are trying to address in the fairest possible way.

"This is a difficult period for us because Asian football is currently facing multiple challenges, the biggest of which is match-fixing," he added. "I, in my capacity as the acting AFC President, am aware of the urgent need to provide a strong leadership that will work closely with the Member Associations towards creating a climate of trust and confidence. During my provisional presidency, I promise that AFC will govern the continent’s football affairs in complete transparency, fairness and harmony."

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