Following media reports, FFA chairman Frank Lowy AC has clarified that he was aware Peter Hargitay consulted to Mohammed Bin Hammam in early 2009.
This was in relation to efforts to unseat Bin Hammam from his position on the FIFA Executive Committee.FFA worked closely with both Hargitay and Bin Hammam in this context, believing that Bin Hammam, as then President of the Asian Football Confederation, should also sit on the FIFA ExCo.
At this time in early 2009 Bin Hammam was supporting Australia’s bid for the World Cup and the maintenance of his position as both AFC President and a member of the FIFA ExCo was then in Australia’s interests.
FFA was not aware of the financial arrangements, but was aware of Hargitay’s arrangement with AFC and had no issue as it was not in conflict with the Australian bid.