Chung Complains of Smear Campaign in FIFA Presidential Race

(ATR) Chung Mong-Joon has blasted leaks attacking his integrity and "factual distortions" that are undermining his FIFA presidential campaign.

The former FIFA vice president of South Korea lashed out at attacks in the German media and leaks he alleges are emerging from within FIFA.

"Whether or not the upcoming FIFA presidential election takes place according to due process, fairness and openness will be the litmus test for whether or not genuine reform of FIFA will be possible," the statement said.

"Only a fair and open election can resuscitate FIFA`s reputation, which has been gravely undermined by scandals old and new.

"Unfortunately, there are increasing signs that the election is deteriorating into a typical FIFA affair with selective leaks of so-called 'confidential' information, accusations of wrong-doing based on 'unconfirmed reports,' unnamed 'sources' and 'insiders.'"

The 63-year-old said the recent press reports criticizing his character and integrity were based on "such unconfirmed, leaked sources and full of factual distortions."

Chung says he is clean and not facing any FIFA investigation or charges into corruption allegations.

Earlier this month, Chung was forced to deny allegations that payments made to Haiti and Pakistan in 2010 were anything more than "charitable donations."

"To be clear, contrary to recent press reports based on FIFA leaks, Dr. Chung is not facing any criminal charges or allegations of bribery, fraud, corruption, vote buying or even a breach of `conflict of interest` under the FIFA Ethics Code from the Ethics Committee," said the statement published in an AFP report.

"Beyond that, Dr. Chung refrains from commenting on any possible Ethics Committee proceedings out of respect for confidentiality requests made by FIFA.

"However, by leaking information that could only have come from within FIFA, FIFA is violating its own rules and regulations that it imposes upon others.

"Indeed, the current election is in danger of being manipulated to a degree unseen even in previous notorious FIFA presidential elections."

Sepp Blatter announced his decision to step down from the FIFA presidency in early June, four days after winning re-election for a fifth term, as the $150 million corruption scandal that led to the indictment of 14 FIFA officials and corporate executives threatened to engulf him.

UEFA president Michel Platini is the favorite to be elected to football’s top job in the election in Zurich on Feb. 26. He is set to publish his manifesto in September.

Written by Mark Bisson

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