Mohamed Bin Hammam claims Fifa 'conspiracy' against him

(GETTY IMAGES)

Mohamed Bin Hammam today claimed there was "increasing evidence of a conspiracy" to stop him running for FIFA president.

The 62-year-old who is running against Sepp Blatter insisted the bribery charge against him was nothing but a "tawdry manoeuvre" to discredit him.

A statement on the Qatari's website said: "Despite the fact that Mohamed Bin Hammam only had 48 hours to answer accusations of bribery, he submitted his reply to FIFA by 12 pm today.

"There is increasing evidence of a conspiracy against his candidacy for the FIFA presidency.

"It is obvious that these allegations have been made to discredit Mr Bin Hammam as a candidate in the imminent election for the FIFA presidency.

"It is quite obvious that, following previous failed attempts, this is part of a final effort to prevent Mr Bin Hammam from running for the FIFA presidency.

"Mr Bin Hammam expects FIFA's Ethics Committee to see through this tawdry manoeuvre."