FIFA's Adamu denies World Cup bribery claims

LONDON (AP):

FIFA executive committee member Amos Adamu yesterday denied any wrongdoing in a World Cup vote-selling scandal despite being suspended from duty.

The Nigerian official issued a statement to "wholly refute all allegations made" by British newspaper The Sunday Times which alleged Adamu and fellow FIFA ruling executive member Reynald Temarii offered to sell their votes for funding toward football projects.

Adamu said he fully supported an ongoing investigation by FIFA's ethics panel which on Wednesday provisionally suspended the two officials until it next meets between November 15 and 17.

Undercover work

Adamu was filmed by undercover reporters who posed as lobbyists, telling them he wanted US$800,000 to build four artificial football pitches in Nigeria, and for the money to be paid to him directly.

"Whilst I wholly refute all allegations made, I fully support the inquiry since it is important that these claims are thoroughly investigated," Adamu said. "Only by doing this will FIFA - and the wider football community - be able to trust that its appointed representatives are beyond reproach."

FIFA's 24-man executive committee will select the hosts of the World Cup in 2018 and 2022 in a December 2 secret ballot in Zurich.

FIFA has not yet made clear how the vote will proceed if Adamu's and Temarii's suspensions are extended beyond polling day.

"I have yet to present my position to those investigating this matter," Adamu said. "However, I am confident that my actions, the full and true extent of which were not detailed in the story published, will demonstrate not only my innocence and integrity, but also my commitment to football and to FIFA.

"Since investigations are not yet complete, it would be inappropriate for me to comment further and I will not do so until FIFA's final conclusion is made public."

Adamu, a 57-year-old former physical education teacher and Nigerian sports minister, joined FIFA's executive in 2006.