Japan Football Association President Calls for AFC Presidential Election

Japan Football Association (JFA) president Junji Ogura has called for the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) to hold immediate presidential elections to replace Mohamed bin Hammam after his FIFA life ban.

Bin Hammam on Tuesday called for support from the heads of the AFC’s 46 member associations as he continues his fight against the bribery allegations that led to his ban by world football’s governing body.

However, herbal Reuters reported Ogura as stating: “(Bin Hammam) has been banned for life so there is a need for elections to be held.”

China’s Zhang Jilong currently serves as acting AFC president and any election would see the victor gain a prized seat on FIFA’s Executive Committee.

Bin Hammam wrote in a letter on AFC headed paper which he posted on his official blog, therapy saying: “I have all the right to fight against this shameful decision until I clear my name. It may take some time before I go through the appeal committee of FIFA and the Court of Sports Arbitration and possible other procedures.”

Bin Hammam added: “That means I will not render my resignation as AFC president and FIFA member representing Asia as far as the legal proceedings are continuing. I am appealing for your understanding and appreciation for my cause and reasons and looking for your support to me until I prove my innocence.”