Mohamed bin Hammam still supports me, says Thapa
It was supposed to be an unveiling ceremony of the cover page of his autobiography. But on Sunday, during an event in Kathmandu, disgraced former All Nepal Football Association President Ganesh Thapa unveiled some more news. Thapa, in addition to admitting that he received monetary support from then Asian Football Confederation President Mohamed bin Hammam, said he was still receiving support from Hammam, but did not clarify the details of such transactions.
“Our ties were put under the microscope back then, but he still helps me out. Nobody seems to have any interest in our relationship now,” said Thapa, also the former AFC vice president and once one of the most influential figures in Asian football.
Thapa said the accounts of his life, co-authored and edited by sports journalist Himesh Ratna Bajracharya, sheds light on his four-decade-long career in football both as a player and administrator. Thapa said, “I have remained unbiased in regards to the incidents that have stained my character including the decision of the Public Accounts Committee, the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority and FIFA.”
The Adjudicatory Chamber of the Independent Ethics Committee of the world football governing body FIFA on November 16, 2015, had imposed the 10-year ban on Thapa from all national and international football activities on bribery and corruption charges. The suspension was issued with immediate effect and a fine of 20,000 Swiss Francs four years ago. Thapa had been at the ANFA helm since 1995.
The former head of ANFA complained that he never had the opportunity to explain himself for the allegations and actions taken against him.
“Truth must come to the fore,” he said. “I had to publish the autobiography for the same reason because otherwise the contributions I have made to football and its growth in Nepal could have been undermined.” Thapa also went on to claim that Nepal had not produced any new players at the senior men’s level since his tenure.
Despite having a brilliant playing career, Thapa’s time as a football administrator was a mix of both appreciation and resentments. He also alleged the officiating ANFA of failing to sustain his achievements and lacking severely in several fronts in ensuring the development of the game in the country.
“This autobiography provides anecdotes of progress made under my leadership with the experiences from my playing career as well,” said Thapa.
The autobiography will be launched in two months, however, the date is yet to be finalised.
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