Fifa presidential candidate Chung Mong-joon 'suspended from ethics committee'

Chung Mong-joon, the South Korean Fifa presidential candidate, has claimed he is facing suspension from the under-fire organisation's ethics committee.

Chung, 63, a major shareholder in Hyundai, said he was being investigated over his "support" for South Korea's 2022 World Cup bid when he proposed the launch of a Global Football Fund.

He has strenuously denied any wrongdoing, insisting he had not broken any rules and would fight the charges.

"Ultimately, I will prevail and will be vindicated," he said.

Chung Mong-joon with Sepp Blatter in 2001. Credit: Reuters

Chung, a former Fifa vice-president, declared his intention to run for the presidency in July, saying he was the right man to reform Fifa.

Blatter is standing down as president in February 2016 following a series of serious corruption allegations against the scandal-hit organisation.

Last week, the 79-year-old rejected calls to stand down immediately after Swiss criminal proceedings were launched against him.

Major sponsors Coca-Cola, McDonald's and Visa were among those calling on him to quit.