Japan Football Chief calls for AFC elections

Japan Football Association (JFA) President Junji Ogura has called on the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) to hold immediate presidential elections in the wake of Mohamed bin Hammam's FIFA life ban.

Bin Hammam has this week called for support from the heads of the AFC's 46 member associations as he continues his fight against the bribery allegations that led to his ban by world football's governing body.

However, Reuters reported Ogura as stating that bin Hammam "has been banned for life so there is a need for elections to be held."

The Qatari is currently provisionally suspended as AFC President with the body set to meet on Friday to discuss its leadership crisis.

China's Zhang Jilong currently serves as acting AFC President and any election would see the victor gain a prized seat on FIFA's Executive Committee.

In a letter on AFC headed paper which he posted on his official blog, bin Hammam explained "I have all the right to fight against this shameful decision until I clear my name.

"It may take some time before I go through the appeal committee of FIFA and the Court of Sports Arbitration and possible other procedures.

"That means I will not render my resignation as AFC President and FIFA member representing Asia as far as the legal proceedings are continuing. I am appealing for your understanding and appreciation for my cause and reasons and looking for your support to me until I prove my innocence."

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