Saturday, May 21, 2011

FIFA not ruling out 2022 World Cup revote

Last Updated: Fri, 20 May 2011 20:19:00 +1000

The head of soccer's world governing body FIFA, Sepp Blatter, has refused to rule out stripping Qatar of hosting rights for the 2022 World Cup, in the wake of vote-rigging allegations.

Earlier this month, The Sunday Times alleged Qatar paid bribes to win votes for the hosting rights, which Australia contested unsuccessfully in 2010.

The UK newspaper claims FIFA executive committee members Issa Hayatou and Jacques Anouma were paid $US1.5 million each to vote for Qatar.

The claims have been denied by both men.

Mr Blatter says FIFA's ethics committee must first decide whether the bribery claims are true before deciding if another vote for the 2022 finals will be considered.

Qatar was controversially awarded the right to host the 2022 tournament ahead of a host of candidates, despite a FIFA report which cast doubts over the tiny Gulf nation's ability to stage the event.

Australia's Football Federation says it is yet to consider its position in the wake of FIFA's admission that the 2022 vote could be re-staged.

In a statement, the FFA says if and when FIFA makes a decision on Qatar, it will decide what to do in the best interests of Australian soccer.

Meanwhile, Qatari sheikh Mohamed Bin Hammam is challenging Mr Blatter for the FIFA presidency with the final vote to be held on June 1.

The sport's governing body in the South Pacific, the Oceania Football Confederation, has announced it will endorse Mr Blatter.


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