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With Joao Havelange having a 24-year stretch as FIFA boss and Joseph Blatter
now in his 13th, it’s no surprise that Mohammed Bin Hammam advocates term
limits being inserted into the world governing body’s statutes.

“Eight years is a long time for anyone to be president and I do not need
longer than this to implement my programme,” the FIFA presidential candidate
told me during an exclusive chat in Banjul, capital of The Gambia.

“About eight, nine months ago, I submitted a proposal to the FIFA executive
committee, in which I suggested that the terms of the president should be
limited to a maximum of eight years, with the rule only taking effect from
2011… Unfortunately, this motion was defeated.”

That vote has not brought an end to a sore subject many in the game’s
fraternity believe must be confronted, in order to ensure a steady flow of
innovation from FIFA’s upper chamber.

But assuming Bin Hammam will make this issue a cardinal point of his
presidency, should he be elected, it could be akin to barking up the wrong
tree.

“If you are asking me whether I will resubmit this proposal to the executive
committee, I am not too sure about that… But I can assure you that I will not
stay for more than two terms if I am successful.” “I took over as Asian
Football Confederation (AFC) president in 2002 and introduced a three-term
limit (a maximum of 12 years in office). So, if I am not successful in my bid
to become FIFA president, I’ll end my career in 2015, when my final term ends.”

Having accused Blatter of being a “sit-tight president”, one would assume
the AFC boss will sound the warning bells of doom for FIFA, should the Swiss
get a much sought after final term in office.

But Bin Hammam is complimentary of his long-term ally turned political
adversary.

“Competition is the way to make the organisation vibrant… If Blatter
continues his work after the elections, should he win, I think it will be good
for FIFA…” “My feelings for him have not changed and I hope we will shake
hands after the contest is over. I do not see him as an enemy and I hope he
feels the same.”

To have a serious chance of winning the contest, the Qatari needs
substantial African support, with CAF, alongside UEFA, being the largest
confederation in the world.

But personalities within the continent question the genuineness of Bin
Hammam’s relationship with Africa. The AFC president has been accused of using
his Gulf wealth to interfere in CAF’s political matters, especially during
elections into its executive committee and polls for the continent’s FIFA exco
representatives.

Many say his alleged support for Algeria’s Mohammed Raouraoua, was vital to
the latter’s successful bid for a seat on the FIFA executive committee last
February.

Accusations of skulduggery, predictably, attract a denial from the AFC boss.

“Some people may see it that way but I have never influenced anything
internally in Africa,” he claims.

“My relationship with the continent’s federations and administrators is a
close one. I have passed the stage of mere friendship with Africa.”

But the 2022 World Cup in Qatar – the smallest country ever to be awarded
the hosting rights – is all about business.

With Qatari temperatures reaching up to 55 degrees Celsius (131 degrees
Fahrenheit) in the summer months, when the tournament will take place, the
unsolved mystery of how the tournament will thrive remains – but not for Bin
Hammam.

“The months of June and July are a peak tourist season in Qatar. There are
people on the streets and it’s not as difficult a place as is suggested.”
Should he fail to ascend the FIFA presidency, Bin Hammam claims he’s content to
ride into the political sunset.

“In 2015, my life in football will end and I’ll go back to my family. I have
11 children and 15 grandchildren, so I have a lot of work at home to do!”

But victory in the May 31/June 1 poll will certainly turn things on its
head. That, certainly, is not on Joseph Blatter’s wish list.

POSTSCRIPT

In a previous column titled ‘Amos Adamu’s macabre dance’, the erroneous
impression was given that the former FIFA executive committee member had lost
his right to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

Although FIFA told me that “The findings of the decision of the FIFA Appeal
Committee… were notified to Mr Adamu on 4 February 2011,” which would have
barred him from an appeal, this was incorrect.

The full judgment, needed before a CAS appeal can be filed, was not
delivered to Mr Adamu until April 12, which means he has until 3 May to appeal.
FIFA has given “apologies if there has been any confusion”.