Fifa lacks will to act on corruption, says German lawyer

A prominent member of the Fifa ethics commission last night resigned his post in protest at what he perceives to be a lack of determination to stamp out corruption.

German lawyer Gubter Hirsch revealed his decision to stand down in a letter to ethics commission president Claudio Sulser, according to German news agency DPA.

The 67-year-old said in the letter: "The events of the past few weeks have raised and strengthened the impression that responsible persons in Fifa have no real interest in playing an active role in resolving, punishing and avoiding violations against ethic regulations of Fifa."

Corruption within Fifa was exposed last year and led to the suspensions of executive committee members Amos Adamu and Reynald Temarii from any football activity. Fifa's investigation revealed more widespread concerns with four other officials - all former executive committee members - also banned.

Nigeria's Adamu became the first Fifa member ever to be suspended for bribery when he was banned for three years and fined 10,000 Swiss francs by the body's ethics committee, though he vowed to appeal.

l Maya Yoshida had a goal disallowed, deflected a shot into his own net and headed an injury-time equaliser as Japan drew 1-1 with Jordan in the Asian Cup. The three-time Asian champions were seconds away from a shock defeat when defender Yoshida headed home skipper Makoto Hasebe's cross in their opening Group B match in Qatar.