FIFA presidential challenger Mohamed Bin Hammam claims he is "well placed" in the contest against Sepp Blatter and has denied he is attempting to buy votes by increasing financial help for national associations.
Bin Hammam, who met the FA in London on his campaign trail ahead of the election on June 1, said he has been heartened by pledges of support. The FA will decide on May 19 who to back but it is no secret that many senior figures favour Bin Hammam.
Bin Hammam told Press Association Sport: "I have had a lot of support since declaring my manifesto and I think I am well placed."
He added: "I said when I announce my candidacy that my chances were 50-50 and although I would not change that figure I am feeling confident."
The 61-year-old Qatari has promised to double the financial support handed out to each of FIFA's 208 member associations to 500,000 US dollars annually.
Blatter, 75, has since responded by pledging to provide more than USD 1billion for development projects over the next four years - that compares with USD 1.6billion in the 13 years since he was first elected in 1998.
Bin Hammam insists however his promises are not mere financial incentives.
He added: "People want to hear what the candidate is going to help them with.
"The need for the funds is essential for national associations - they need to have development projects, national teams, youth teams, facilities and it all costs money.
"This is not an improper act - people should know what I'm planning."
Source: PA
