KUALA LUMPUR: The Asian Football Confederation has insisted that its investigation into allegations of financial impropriety by former president Mohamed Bin Hammam are continuing even though his AFC suspension has expired writes KEIR RADNEDGE.

Bin Hammam remains under a three-month ban imposed by FIFA.

The world federation decided on its own suspension of Bin Hammam while it considers both the same finance allegations and how to respond to the quashing by the Court of Arbitration for Sport of a life ban on the Qatari ordered last summer by FIFA’s own ethics committee.

A statement issued by the AFC said: “AFC’s investigation into alleged infringements of the AFC Statutes, the AFC Disciplinary Code, and the AFC Code of Ethics by Mohamed Bin Hammam is ongoing. A 30-day provisional suspension was imposed on Mr Bin Hammam on 16 July, 2012, followed by a 20-day extension.

“Bin Hammam’s appeal against this provisional suspension was dismissed by the AFC Appeals Committee Chairman on 17 August, 2012. The provisional suspension ended on September 4, 2012.

“However, Bin Hammam continues to remain suspended from taking part in any kind of football activity by virtue of FIFA’s 90-day worldwide provisional ban, which came into effect on July 26, 2012. AFC’s disciplinary proceedings will commence after the investigation is completed.”