Nigeria’s Amos Adamu, a FIFA executive committee member, who was suspended by FIFA in cash-for-vote scandal in relation to the bidding process for the 2018 World Cup, defended himself to the BBC. Excerpts from the interview:
What is your reaction to your suspension and this investigation?
A newspaper in London made allegations against me and FIFA did the normal thing, which is to initiate an investigation. We've met with the ethics committee and they've given us the protocols and I'm very happy about it because this will enable the whole world to know the truth. FIFA is a credible organisation and I'm sure that the whole truth will come out of it. I welcome it.
How confident are you that you will come out of this clean because in the eyes of many, you are not?
I'm very, very confident because what was pushed to the public is not a true reflection of what really transpired between me and the journalists.
And I believe that this committee… we'll leave it for them.
I'm not supposed to say anything about it. They will investigate it.
I believe in the credibility of FIFA and I believe in the credibility of the FIFA President so I know that my reputation is intact and the investigation will prove the correct thing.
The FIFA President, the other day said, that there are many devils in our society and that some of those devils are found in football. Do you think he had you in mind?
No. I'm sure when he makes statements he knows what he's talking about. But let's leave it at this.
The FIFA President, the other day said, that there are many devils in our society and that some of those devils are found in football. Do you think he had you in mind?
No. I'm sure when he makes statements he knows what he's talking about. But let's leave it at this.
Is football a corrupt business?
(pause) I wouldn't say so, no.
You say you believe in the credibility of FIFA and in the credibility of the ethics committee, but do you believe in your own credibility because in the eyes of many people you're not a credible person at all.
Oh yes...I'm sure that by the time I come out of this they will know that I'm a very credible person and I still maintain that I'm a very credible person and I believe this investigation will prove it.