DOHA, Qatar (AP) — FIFA presidential candidate Mohamed bin Hammam says the English Football Association has forfeited its right to improve the sport by choosing not to vote in the election.
Bin Hammam says on his website that he respects the FA’s position but is disappointed that a national association has decided “not to try to affect change from the inside.”
The FA announced last week that it would abstain in the June 1 election, choosing not to vote for bin Hammam or FIFA President Sepp Blatter. Both men have been tainted by a corruption scandal involving bids for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.
Six members of FIFA’s executive committee have been accused of receiving or demanding bribes during bidding for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups. Bin Hammam helped deliver the 2022 World Cup to his home country of Qatar, which is alleged to have paid two FIFA executives $1.5 million each.
