The 62-year-old Qatari has been banned for life after world soccer’s ruling body found him guilty of trying to buy votes ahead of last month’s FIFA presidential election, a race he later withdrew from.
“It’s sad for all of Qatar, not just Mohamed,” said Mohammed Johar, 50, head of logistics for the Al Jazeera sports channel in Doha.
“We grew up together. He was president of my club, Al Rayyan. From the beginning I never thought these charges were true. He faced problems and tried to solve them honestly.
“He tried to do his best in Asia. The people will remember him very well, not just in Qatar but in Asia and Africa as well,” added Johar.
Bin Hammam, AFC president since 2002, was found guilty by FIFA’s ethics committee of bribery during a meeting with Caribbean officials in Port of Spain, Trinidad in May.
“He’s been involved with (football) for so long, his whole life. Banning him is like killing him,” Johar said.
Fellow Qatari Ahmed Abu Hamra, 18, added: “He doesn’t deserve it. It’s not fair. Of course they would find him guilty, so he’s not a threat (for FIFA’s presidency) in the future.”
Bin Hammam, who has also been on FIFA’s executive committee since 1996, withdrew his presidential candidacy on May 29 and Swiss Sepp Blatter was re-elected unopposed for a fourth term three days later.
The Qatari did not attend the two-day hearing at FIFA headquarters in Zurich held on Friday and Saturday but was represented by two lawyers as his life ban was handed down.
“Bin Hammam is okay. I’ve known him for over 30 years. He tried to lift the sport and that was very important for him,” said Ali Hassan, 54.
Mohammed Salim, 40, added: “FIFA doesn’t want him in football. He has a strong personality and a lot of power. He’s very smart. It was dangerous for them.
“What he’s done for Asian football in the last five years is amazing. He made things happen there.”
