Bin Hammam in plea to English FA
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The English FA should reconsider its abstention from the FIFA presidential vote as it was forfeiting its right to affect change from within, candidate Mohamed Bin Hammam said yesterday.
The FA last week said it would abstain from the June 1 vote, which pits Asia confederation chief Bin Hammam against 13-year incumbent Sepp Blatter, days after former chairman David Triesman told a UK parliamentary inquiry the World Cup bid process was blighted by corruption.
Writing in a post on his personal website, Bin Hammam said he was surprised and disappointed by the FA's decision. "The football family is vast and diverse - perhaps more so than any of us can truly comprehend - and that is one of our sport's greatest strengths," he said.
"So it is always disappointing when someone opts not to engage with the rest, when one of our national associations takes the decision not to try to affect change from the inside. The FA, with its status as the oldest association in the world and England's position as the birthplace of the modern game, is one of the most important institutions in world football.
"As a result, they should be working with FIFA and the rest of the global game to improve and enhance football. By choosing to abstain, the FA is, sadly, forfeiting that right.
"I realize they have their reasons for making their decision but I hope in the days leading up to the election that they will reconsider their position and make moves to engage fully with the global football family, both on June 1 and beyond."
The FA's 2018 World Cup bid failed dismally, drawing only two votes, with bid officials complaining that the voting system was flawed and that FIFA executive committee members had lied to them. Russia won the hosting rights.
The parliamentary inquiry also heard that Qatar's successful bid to host the 2022 tournament, backed by Bin Hammam, a Qatari, was also marred by allegations of wrongdoing. Qatar has denied the allegations.
Bin Hammam, who has been touring the world canvassing support to become FIFA's first Asian president, has previously said the governing body's reputation had been sullied by the allegations, but denied it was corrupt.
Pledges to make FIFA a more transparent, inclusive organization have been the backbone of the 62-year-old's campaign and the Qatari reinforced the theme on his blog.
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