Mohamed Bin Hammam expects Fifa to find him guilty

Suspended former Fifa presidential candidate Mohamed bin Hammam believes he is likely to be found guilty of bribery allegations.

Fifa's ethics committee has begun a two-day hearing to rule on claims the Qatari tried to bribe Caribbean delegates to vote for him as president.

"It seems likely that Fifa has already made its decision weeks ago," he wrote in a blog.

"None of us should be surprised if a guilty verdict is returned."

Bin Hammam, 62, pulled out of the presidential race in the wake of the allegations and was provisionally suspended on 29 May.

He continued: "I want you all to know that my legal team and I remain confident that the case and the evidence presented against me are weak and unsubstantiated. They are flimsy and will not stand up to scrutiny in any court of law; that has been clear throughout this process and it remains to be so.

"If we believe earlier press statements made by or on behalf of different Fifa officials or those working for them, then despite the weakness of the case against me, I am not confident that the hearing will be conducted in the manner any of us would like.

"Following the events since my suspension, it now seems impossible for them to say that they were wrong, although I wish they would have the courage to correct their mistake.

"Rest assured, though, that justice will eventually prevail whether through the Fifa ethics committee, the Court of Arbitration of Sport or, if necessary, through other courts or legal proceedings in courts where we will be equal and no special privileges will be granted to either party."

Bin Hammam and former Fifa vice-president Jack Warner were suspended when a leaked report revealed four Caribbean Football Union associations were either offered money, or saw the offence occur, during a meeting in May.

It is alleged bribes of US$40,000 were paid or offered to each of the 25 associations who attended the meeting.

Fifa's ethics committee's preliminary report into the case was reported to have found "comprehensive, convincing and overwhelming" evidence against both Warner and Bin Hammam.

Bin Hammam's withdrawal from the presidential race allowed incumbent Sepp Blatter to be returned unopposed as head of football's governing body.