FIFA close Mohamed Bin Hammam bribery case

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – MARCH 26: Asian Football Confederation President Mr Mohamed bin Hammam during a press conference to announce Australia’s push to join the Asian Confederation for the 2010 World Cup qualifiers, at the Park Hyatt March 26, 2005 Sydney, Australia.

According to the Guardian, Qatari Mohammad Bin Hammam will not face any new charges, FIFA’s chief ethics investigator Michael J Garcia has confirmed. Hammam was charged with bribing Carribean officials during his campaign for FIFA president, a campaign which was once again won by Swiss Sepp Blatter.

The case was closed due to lack of new evidence. Earlier in July, Bin Hammam had a lifetime ban lifted by the court of arbitration for sport (CAS). His legal team is also contemplating challenging his suspension from the Asian Football Confederation in the Swiss courts. He was suspended due to allegations of financial mismanagement.

Investigator Michael J Garcia was quoted as saying: “With respect to the events at the CFU conference, the investigation uncovered no new material proof beyond the substantial evidence presented during the proceedings that culminated with the CAS decision vacating Mr Bin Hammam’s ban.

“Accordingly, the Investigatory Chamber has closed this matter consistent with the CAS Panel’s guidance regarding newly discovered evidence.”