Singapore, May 31 (AFP) Mohamed bin Hammam is "still the president" of Asian football, his Chinese deputy Zhang Jilong insisted today despite being confirmed as acting chief while the Qatari faces a corruption probe.
Zhang said FIFA had "no right" to suspend bin Hammam from Asian Football Confederation (AFC) duties while it investigates allegations the former candidate tried to buy votes for the world body's presidential election.
"FIFA suspended bin Hammam but he is still the president of the AFC. FIFA has no right to prevent him from acting (in) his role in the AFC," Zhang said, according to the China Daily.
FIFA said bin Hammam was barred from all football activities worldwide when it announced its ruling on Sunday.
And despite Zhang's comments, the AFC confirmed the vice president had taken over as temporary leader.