Inter president brushes off Asiad graft claims

Milan (AFP) – Inter Milan president Erick Thohir has confirmed he is collaborating with Indonesian anti-corruption authorities but brushed off allegations of graft in relation to the awarding of the 2018 Asian Games.

Reports on Tuesday claimed Thohir, a former majority owner of Serie A giants Inter and the current president of the Indonesian Olympic Committee (KOI), was being investigated along with three other Indonesian officials.

Inter, now majority owned by the Suning Group of China, released a statement confirming Thohir had been questioned but has not been investigated.

“In light of recent media reports, FC Internazionale wishes to clarify that president Erick Thohir is not under investigation,” said a club statement.

“Mr Thohir has offered his full collaboration to the Indonesian anti-corruption authorities in his role as president of the Indonesian Olympic Committee.”

The 2018 Asian Games, officially known as the XVIII Asiad, were given to Indonesia after Vietnam — originally chosen as hosts — pulled out due to financial constraints.

Earlier on Tuesday, reports from Indonesia quoted Thohir as saying he would be prepared to go to prison if convicted of any “mistake”.

“We have respected the law. If it is proved I’ve made a mistake, I’m ready to be punished,” he is reported to have told Antara news agency.

“It’s clear this situation shouldn’t be politicised, but I’m ready to go to prison.”