In what may be music to the ears of some Malaysians, the current Asian Football Confederation president Mohammad bin Hammam is being challenged by a fellow Arab for the FIFA Executive seat.
Should Hammam lose tthat post, it will not only be a bitter pill to swallow but it could well affect his chances to retain the AFC presidency. One thing is certain though, expect Malaysia to vote for his challenger, as will other Asean countries with the exception of Singapore and Thailand, both who put in bids to replace Malaysia as the AFC headquarters.
Below is the statement from Baharin FA
The Bahrain Football Association today announced its decision to nominate its President Shaikh Salman Bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa as a candidate for the position of FIFA Executive Committee Member.
Having received the blessing from fellow West Asian Associations and the support of prominent members of the football family in the Asean, Central and Eastern Conferences, the BFA offered the following reasons for its nomination of Shaikh Salman, “Shaikh Salaman will be running for elections on a platform promoting cooperation among AFC Member Associations.”
Shaikh Salman is currently Chairman of the AFC Disciplinary Committee and Deputy Chairman of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee; over the years, he has acquired valuable contacts within AFC, FIFA and the international football family.
Elections will be held on 8th May 2009, at an AFC Extra-Ordinary Congress
