China's Zhang appointed to FIFA board seat

Chinese football official Zhang Jilong has returned to FIFA's executive committee, replacing Vernon Manilal Fernando of Sri Lanka who was suspended last month for ethics violations.

FIFA President Sepp Blatter tells Asian Football Confederation members that Zhang, one of their vice presidents, will complete Fernando's four-year mandate until 2015.

Zhang's appointment means that 2022 World Cup organizer Qatar remains without a delegate at FIFA's decision-making top table.

Zhang attended Tuesday's FIFA board meeting in Mauritius, meaning he never missed a session since 2011 having previously been appointed interim replacement for disgraced former AFC President Mohamed bin Hammam.

Bin Hammam's FIFA seat was formally filled last month by new AFC leader Sheik Salman Bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa of Bahrain, who won an election against Qatari World Cup organizer Hassan Al Thawadi.