Former FIFA vice-president Chung Mong-Joon has admitted that he is not surprised to have been handed a six-year ban from football activity, but says he is "profoundly disappointed" by the decision.
The 63-year-old, who recently announced his intention to stand for president of the scandal-hit organisation, was also fined around £70,000 as part of an ongoing investigation by the FIFA ethics committee.
Chung believes that the decision simply highlights the "unethical nature" of the world governing body, which the South Korean businessman and politician describes as a "sinking ship".
"While this decision does not come as a surprise, I am profoundly disappointed at an act that, once again, demonstrates the profoundly irresponsible and unethical nature of FIFA," he said in a statement. "This decision by the ethics committee has completely undermined the legitimacy and fairness of the next FIFA presidential election.
"FIFA is like the sinking Titanic. I will mobilise all legal means available to expose the injustice of this decision by the ethics committee while continuing to do my utmost to reform FIFA.
"I call on all the fair-minded colleagues at FIFA and football fans around the world, as well as the court of world public opinion, to join me in my endeavour to bring about a true re-birth of FIFA."
Confederation of African Football president Issa Hayatou will serve as acting president of FIFA during top boss Sepp Blatter's 90-day suspension.
Daniel Lewis
