Profile of Acting Asian football chief Zhang Jilong

Position: Asian Football Association acting president

Date and Place of Birth: Born February 1952, in Yantai, a coastal city in East China's Shandong province;

Education: English language major at the Beijing International Studies University, Beijing, China;

Key Facts:

May 31, 2011

As the most senior vice-president, Zhang Jilong is to take charge of the Asian Football Confederation and exercise the competence of AFC president in the absence of former head Mohammad bin Hammam, who was suspended over FIFA bribery allegations.

2009-2011

Zhang Jilong has been prominent in AFC for many years; is currently serving as AFC's most senior vice-president, Chairman of AFC Finance Committee, and AFC Executive Committee members.

July 3, 2009

Zhang was confirmed as the successor to Wei Jizhong, president of the International Volleyball Federation, as chairman of the Sports Committee for the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) at the 28th OCA General Assembly; promoted as the OCA executive committee member.

January 2009

Zhang was assigned as director of the China International Sports Exchange Center.

November 2008

Zhang was appointed deputy director of the Chinese Football Administration Center.

2008

Zhang was the sports minister of the organizing committee for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games; also a member of the 2006 FIFA World Cup Organizing Committee.

1978

Zhang was in charge of football-related foreign affairs after returning from Nigeria after a three-year aid program; was appointed deputy chairman of the Chinese Football Association and deputy director of the Chinese Football Administration Center under the General Administration of Sport of China.

Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Mohamed Bin Hammam (R) poses with Vice-President Zhang Jilong during an event in Kuala Lumpur, in this March 15, 2011 file photo. [Photo/Agencies]