Mohammed bin Hammam is refusing to resign as Asia soccer chief and has asked his colleagues for patience as he tries to clear his name after being banned from soccer for life by FIFA on bribery charges last weekend.

In an open letter to the heads of the 46 member associations of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), the Qatari, who has been replaced on a caretaker basis by China's Zhang Jilong, appealed for understanding and support.

"I have all the right to fight against this shameful decision until I clear my name," bin Hammam wrote in a letter on AFC headed paper which he posted on his blog(www.mohamedbinhammam.com) late on Monday.

"... I will not render my resignation as AFC President and FIFA member representing Asia as far as the legal proceedings are continuing."