Bin Hammam to Announce FIFA Presidential Candidacy

An expected announcement is set to be made by Mohamed Bin Hammam to confirm his candidacy for the FIFA presidential elections at a press conference in Malaysia on Friday.

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) president has been vocal in his criticism of world soccer’s governing body, of which he is a member, of late and in particular the presidential reign of current incumbent Sepp Blatter. Bin Hammam announced via his Twitter account that he would confirm his position on the matter, after months of speculation, at the press conference at AFC House.

The Qatari national is believed to be the main challenger to Blatter although others, including journalist Grant Wahl, have also dropped heavy hints over their intention to run for the post.

Bin Hammam announced: “I will clarify my position regarding the FIFA presidency elections, which take place in June 2011. I will hold a press conference on Friday, 18 March, at 13:00 at AFC House.”

Bin Hammam has outlined his policy manifesto by previously saying: “I would call for more transparency in FIFA, to widen the decision-making base and bodies within FIFA. I’d engage stakeholders more and give them a real platform to express their wishes. We should respect the clubs and it is for the clubs also to respect the member associations.”