AFC president Jilong seeks cooperation from MAs in investigation

The Asian Football Confederation Acting President Zhang Jilong has written to AFC's 46 Member Associations, seeking their full cooperation in the investigation, which is currently underway to determine breaches of the AFC Code of Ethics possibly committed by former president Mohammed bin Hammam.

The AFC Disciplinary Committee had opened disciplinary proceedings against Mr. Bin Hammam and banned him from any football related activity on 16 July, following the receipt of an independent financial report presented by PricewaterhouseCoopers Advisory Services (PwC) dated July 13, 2012. FIFA has since extended the ban worldwide besides initiating its own investigation into possible breaches of the FIFA Code of Ethics.

Mr Jilong wrote, "The provisional ban imposed on Mr. Bin Hammam is the first step within the framework of AFC disciplinary proceedings initiated to clear up the events in question. A further, and very essential, part of the proceedings is an investigation carried out by the secretariat of the AFC Disciplinary Committee, which aims at establishing all relevant facts and collecting incriminating or exonerating evidence."

"In this context, we would like to inform you that the Chairman of the AFC Disciplinary Committee has directed the secretariat to engage a worldwide highly renowned investigation company, Freeh Group International Solutions LLC ("Freeh Group"), to assist and support in the secretariat's investigation. This engagement has become necessary due to the specific complexity of the case."

The AFC Acting President sought the cooperation of the Member Associations and underlined that the investigation was not targeted against anyone in particular but aimed at establishing the truth.

"We would like to point out that it is crucial that the Freeh Group receive unconditional and unreserved support and cooperation by all AFC Officials, bodies, and Member Associations," wrote Jilong.

"The proceedings presently relevant are not about incriminating or discrediting certain persons but aim at establishing the truth and, on a broader scale, at safeguarding the integrity and interests of football under the AFC's jurisdiction."

"It is of utmost importance that the investigation is carried out in an unimpaired and neutral manner. The Freeh Group has AFC's unreserved trust that it will do so, and it is therefore vital that any entity or person deemed of interest by the Freeh Group fully cooperates."

"In this context, we would like to remind each Member Association once again of their obligation to comply with AFC Regulations as well as of their duty of loyalty towards AFC at any time (Article 11 (1) (a) and (i) of the AFC Statutes). From this obligation results a specific duty to fully cooperate in the context of this investigation and to refrain from any actions, which might interfere."

Jilong concluded by emphasising AFC's unshakeable resolve to protect the integrity of AFC.

"We would like to reaffirm AFC's commitment to clearing up the events and circumstances presently relevant and to draw the necessary consequences. We would like to thank you for your continued support in protecting the integrity of AFC and football as a whole."

Good governance stressed by AFC ExCo

The Asian Football Confederation's Executive Committee, chaired by AFC Acting President Zhang Jilong, took a series of important decisions on Thursday, shaping the future of Asian football and improving the governance of the confederation.

The report of the AFC Ad-hoc Evaluation Committee and the suspension of former AFC President Mohamed Bin Hammam were discussed at length and a majority of the members voiced their support for President Jilong and pledged their interest in reforming AFC and preventing the abuse of official positions.

Acting President Jilong referred to the disciplinary proceedings against the former President in his opening address and stressed the importance of turning over a new chapter.

"I think this development also makes one thing very clear to all of us - there is no place for unethical practices anymore in AFC," said Jilong.

"I ask this ExCo to prevent any abuse of power and misuse of privileges by any office-bearer. I ask this ExCo not to allow anyone to compromise the image of AFC."

Jilong explained the process by which the matter had been referred to the AFC Disciplinary Committee.

"We set up an Evaluation Committee under Kohzo Tashima-san with three main points of reference. Firstly, to fight corruption, secondly, to improve the AFC administration; and thirdly, to promote financial transparency," said Jilong.

"We have already taken the first step in this tough task. Our independent auditors PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) have submitted their report."

"And, in accordance with the AFC Code of Ethics, this report was immediately forwarded through the AFC General Secretary to the Honorable Chairman of the Disciplinary Committee."

"The AFC Disciplinary Committee is a completely independent judicial body. They don't report to this ExCo or the AFC Congress. It is headed by a highly experienced and respected lawyer Lim Kia Tong and I have full confidence in the Chairman and his committee. I am confident that we will have a fair, transparent and impartial process."

The members were informed that the provisional suspension of Bin Hammam would last for 30 days from the time of suspension while investigations into the allegations of unethical practices continued.

The members discussed the recommendations of the standing committees and gave their approval for their implementation.