Qatari official disputes FIFA accusation

AFP, DOHA: A senior Qatari official facing a possible two-and-a-half-year ban following a recent FIFA investigation said he hopes a "full and fair" review of his case will exonerate him.
The ban against Saoud Al-Mohannadi was recommended in August by FIFA's ethics commission which said that the Qatar Football Association (QFA) vice-president had refused to cooperate with an inquiry.
Although FIFA has not said what was the subject of the inquiry, it is not connected with the 2022 World Cup, which Qatar will host.
However Mohannadi has disputed FIFA's claim in his first statement since the commission's recommendation.
“I am confident that a full and fair review of the matter will confirm that I have co-operated extensively and candidly... with the Ethics Committee to the best of my ability,” he said in a statement posted on the QFA website.
Adding to the intrigue surrounding Mohannadi, he is also a candidate for upcoming elections to FIFA's ruling council after being passed as eligible to stand by football's governing body.
The vote, for the two Asian spots on the council, will take place later this month.
Mohannadi added that he was "disappointed" with the commission's recommendation, and would continue to run for election.

Qatari official disputes FIFA accusation

AFP, DOHA: A senior Qatari official facing a possible two-and-a-half-year ban following a recent FIFA investigation said he hopes a full and fair review of his case will exonerate him. The ban against Saoud Al-Mohannadi was recommended in August by FIFAs ethics commission which said that the Qatar Football Association (QFA) vice-president had refused to cooperate with an inquiry. Although FIFA has not said what was the subject of the inquiry, it is not connected with the 2022 World Cup, which Qatar will host. However Mohannadi has disputed FIFAs claim in his first statement since the commissions recommendation. I am confident that a full and fair review of the matter will confirm that I have co-operated extensively and candidly... with the Ethics Committee to the best of my ability, he said in a statement posted on the QFA website. Adding to the intrigue surrounding Mohannadi, he is also a candidate for upcoming elections to FIFAs ruling council after being passed as eligible to stand by footballs governing body. The vote, for the two Asian spots on the council, will take place later this month. Mohannadi added that he was disappointed with the commissions recommendation, and would continue to run for election.