Nigeria Content Online

Mohammed Bin Hammam received a boost to his campaign to become
FIFA president when he was backed by his former foe and ex-FIFA executive
committee member Chung Mong-joon Tuesday.

The 61-year-old faces a tough ask in ousting incumbent Sepp
Blatter, as head of soccer’s world governing body in the June election, with
the Swiss having held the position for 13 years.

Bin Hammam sat alongside as Dr Chung, who famously questioned
the Qatari’s mental health two years ago at the Asian Football Confederation
congress, said he was the right man for the job.

“We welcome the candidacy of Asian Football Confederation
president Mohammed Bin Hammam,” Chung told reporters at a media conference in
Seoul.

“Blatter has served as FIFA secretary general and president for
30 years. Now it’s time for him to give way to a new person.” Chung, who
surprisingly lost his FIFA vice-president seat to Prince Ali of Jordan at the
AFC Congress in January, remains an influential figure in world soccer having
been part of the FIFA executive committee since 1994 and his family owning the
giant Hyundai conglomerate.

The Korean, honorary chairman of the Korean Football Association
(KFA), was once considered a possible challenger to Blatter at the June 1 FIFA
congress in Zurich and his presence in Bin Hammam’s campaign could help sway
votes.

Bin Hammam, who is touring the world canvassing support,
launched his bid to become the first Asian president of FIFA two weeks ago in
Kuala Lumpur, when he revealed a manifesto based on making the organisation
more open to the public.

Chung questioned Blatter’s popularity.

“In terms of finances, FIFA is more successful than the
(International Olympic Committee) IOC and the president should be admired,
beloved and respected but Blatter is not.

“I can’t say Bin Hammam is perfect but he is the right candidate to bring
change and revolution to FIFA.”