Asian Football Confederation (AFC) acting president Zhang Jilong described Mohamed bin Hammam's lifetime ban for bribery as a "sad day" for the sport on Saturday.
Qatari bin Hammam, the 62-year-old head of the AFC, was banned from all football-related activity after being found of guilty of corruption during the FIFA presidential elections.
"This is a sad day for AFC and Asian football," said Zhang.
"AFC respects world football governing body FIFA's decision and we also acknowledge former AFC President Mohamed Bin Hammam's inalienable right to lodge an appeal against the decision. AFC has nothing more to say on this particular issue."
Zhang, the favourite to succeed bin Hammam in the AFC hot-seat, admitted that the controversy had come at the worst time for the continent.
"This is a difficult period for us because Asian football is currently facing multiple challenges, the biggest of which is match-fixing," he added.
"I, in my capacity as the acting AFC President, am aware of the urgent need to provide a strong leadership that will work closely with the Member Associations towards creating a climate of trust and confidence.
"During my provisional presidency, I promise that AFC will govern the continent's football affairs in complete transparency, fairness and harmony.
"The best of Asian football is yet to come and AFC will work tirelessly towards ensuring that the collective interests of the great sport we love will prevail in our continent. The future is indeed Asia but this can be realised only if we keep the faith in our football."
Source: AFP
