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2018 and 2022 World Cup bids to be investigated over corruption

Investigators are reportedly examining allegations of corruption in the 2018 and 2022 World Cup b...
Newstalk
Newstalk

13.06 1 Oct 2013


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2018 and 2022 World Cup bids t...

2018 and 2022 World Cup bids to be investigated over corruption

Newstalk
Newstalk

13.06 1 Oct 2013


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Investigators are reportedly examining allegations of corruption in the 2018 and 2022 World Cup bidding process and will meet with the Football Association next week.

American attorney Michael Garcia, who is heading the investigation on behalf of FIFA's ethics committee, will visit all bidding nations as part of the independent inquiry.

Qatar were named as hosts for 2022, while Russia were awarded the 2018 tournament.

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FIFA President Sepp Blatter recently admitted that Qatar won the rights to host the 2022 tournament with the aid of "political influences" from prominent people in Europe.

He told a German magazine that: "European leaders recommended their voting members to vote for Qatar, because they have great economic interests with this country."

The relationship between former French President Nicolas Sarkozy, current UEFA President Michel Platini and the Qataris has been written about at length.

The treatment of migrant workers in Qatar and the plans to move the 2022 World Cup to winter have also caused consternation.

Garcia's report is not due until 2014. U.S. Soccer Federation president Sunil Gulati has called for the decision to move the 2022 World Cup to the winter to be delayed until Garcia's conclusions have been published.


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