Mohamed bin Hammam: Pledge is not a bribe

The Fifa presidential candidate denies that he was trying to buy votes with financial aid in his campaign to unseat current president Sepp Blatter.

LONDON // Fifa presidential candidate Mohamed bin Hammam yesterday denied that he was trying to buy votes with financial aid in his campaign to unseat current president Sepp Blatter.

Bin Hammam, in London to meet with senior members of the English Football Association (FA) ahead of the June 1 election, has promised to double to US$500,000 (Dh1.835 million) the current financial support paid annually to Fifa members.

However, the 61-year-old head of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) rejected suggestions that the increase in money for development projects was a form of vote buying.

"People want to hear what the candidate is going to help them with," bin Hammam said.

"The need for the funds is essential for national associations - they need to have development projects, national teams, youth teams, facilities and it all costs money.

"This is not an improper act - people should know what I'm planning."

Bin Hammam's pledges to increase disbursements have been followed by similar promises from Blatter. The 75-year-old Swiss responded with a vow to set aside more than $1 billion over four years.

Bin Hammam, from Qatar, also said he was "well placed" in his bid to dethrone Blatter, indicating he had received widespread support since declaring his candidacy.

"I have had a lot of support since declaring my manifesto and I think I am well placed," he said.

"I said when I announce my candidacy that my chances were 50-50 and although I would not change that figure I am feeling confident."

The FA has said it will decide on who to support on May 19 but bin Hammam said he would not seek to exploit ill-feeling towards Fifa caused by England's failed 2018 World Cup bid.