HAMMAM RETAINS FIFA SEAT

Qatari Bin Hammam, the AFC President, earned a 23-21 decision over Sheikh Salman – with two votes deemed invalid because they were spoilt.

A simple majority from among the 46 Member Assocations was needed for victory.

Bin Hammam wins another four-year term on the FIFA Executive Committee, which he has been on since 1996.

“You have really shown the world the meaning of democracy,” Bin Hammam told the Congress after his victory.

“I would like to thank Sheikh Salman, who has graciously accepted the result. It was a very close competition.

“To those who supported me, I will continue to do more for you than I have already done. And to those who did not support me, I promise I will do more to gain your trust and confidence.”

AFC has four seats on FIFA’s Executive Committee. The other seats are held by Japan’s Junji Ogura, Korea Republic’s Chung Mong-joon, who is a FIFA Vice President, and Thailand’s Worawi Makudi.