Man set to replace Sepp Blatter as Fifa president ‘ordered athletes’ torture’

Controversial Sheikh Salman branded ‘continuity Blatter’ candidate.

Next in line ... controversial Sheikh Salman is seen as favourite to succeed Blatter

IT was February 2011 in the Middle East and the tiny Gulf island state of Bahrain was aflame with Arab Spring pro-democracy demonstrations.

Joining flashpoint street protests were some of the Arab nations’ most famous footballers, coaches and athletes. The Bahraini authorities, human rights groups say, responded brutally.

Under fire ... Sheikh Salman has called torture accusations 'nasty lies'

 News agency The Associated Press (AP) reported that more than 150 athletes, coaches and referees were jailed after a special committee identified them from photos of the protests. It is claimed some of those arrested who included members of the national football team  were tortured.

Scathing ... Bahrain human rights campaigner Sayed Alwadaei says Fifa doesn't need more controversy

 AP reported that the committee was chaired by Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim al-Khalifa a member of Bahrain’s ruling royal family and then head of the Bahrain FA.