World Cup 2022 Controversy

Dublin Red Devil

As the FBI are investigating payments from a company owned by the Qatari Mohammed bin Hammam to former Fifa vice-president Jack Warner. According to the Daily Telegraph.

More questions arise surrounding the decision by Fifa to award the 2022 World Cup to Qatar.

It is alleged that Qatar offered a bribe or $2m to voting delegates in a bid to buy their votes.

Qatar clearly has no business holding a Fifa World Cup, and the decision is highly suspicious. Given their recent history of corruption, It wouldn't be a surprise for anyone to find out that the decision is shrouded in corruption.

If Investigations reveal what many already believe to be true. FIFA must withdraw the 2022 tournament from Qatar and awarded it to a more suitable bidding nation.

Paully D

It was obvious at the time. Nothing will be done about it.

Guy:Incognito

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2057043751

theoneeyedman

In other news, the Pope is exposed as a Catholic and a bear has been seen Shutting in the Woods!

Not taking the pass out of you personally OP, but anyone with a passing interest in FIFA, smelled rats as soon as both the Russian and Qatari bids were successful. The only thing moderately surprising is that Mr warner and Co haven't covered their tracks better.

Hell (and Qatar) will freeze over before the world cup is moved from Qatar

Big Pussy Bonpensiero

I'm still very surprised that more pressure isn't being exerted on FIFA from FAs and media outlets, especially in the UK. We've heard relatively little about the scandals despite it coming from arguably the most powerful sporting body in the world. If they can get away with something as high-profile as this, I can only imagine what else they are getting away with.

mikeym

Not another anti Qatar bashing thread.

Their really nice rich lads once you get to know them. :rolleyes:

zl1whqvjs75cdy

Id say they'd always get their round in to be fair to them.

Dublin Red Devil

Whatever about Russia being a crooked selection. At least they have a history in the sport. They have an established football culture, League, clubs, stadiums and fanbase.

It has to be moved from Qatar. If not the Associations should threaten to break off from FIFA and set up their own International organisation and tournaments. This should not be allowed to happen.

It would have been perfect to put this world cup in the United States. Think of the impact it would have made, Soccer is fast growing in popularity in America, More kids are playing the game, Their domestic league is expanding, The MLS has surpassed the MLB as the 3rd most watched sports league in America.
The culture is there,
The stadiums are there
The infrastructure is there
The commercial opportunities,The money that would be made
Everything you could possibly want in a sporting event on a major scale is all already in place.

dundalkfc10

Dublin Red Devil wrote: »

Whatever about Russia being a crooked selection. At least they have a history in the sport. They have an established football culture, League, clubs, stadiums and fanbase.

It has to be moved from Qatar. If not the Associations should threaten to break off from FIFA and set up their own International organisation and tournaments. This should not be allowed to happen.

It would have been perfect to put this world cup in the United States. Think of the impact it would have made, Soccer is fast growing in popularity in America, More kids are playing the game, Their domestic league is expanding, The MLS has surpassed the MLB as the 3rd most watched sports league in America.
The culture is there,
The stadiums are there
The infrastructure is there
The commercial opportunities,The money that would be made
Everything you could possibly want in a sporting event on a major scale is all already in place.

Same could be said of countless countries

token56

Aside from the obvious financial corruption that has taken place, the seemingly ever increasing number of deaths take place during the construction for the world cup is beyond belief. I dont know what can be done t change things, Qatar is not exactly a shining beacon of human rights. It should never have gone to Qatar and I really do hope the people responsible for these deaths and corruption are held accountable.

spiralism

I really hope for a day where some of the associations say enough is enough and break from FIFA, it's amazing to believe that the governing body over the most popular sport on the planet are so rotten to the core that theyre tainting the most important tournament of all and nobody's saying or doing anything about it.

gosplan

The thing about FIFA is that they never have to answer to anyone for anything.

They're simply not accountable at all so they just do what they want.

Being near the top of FIFA, with the global game as popular as it is is just a license to print money.

rob316

FIFA are a law onto themselves it seems, they answer to no one.

Dublin Red Devil

dundalkfc10 wrote: »

Same could be said of countless countries

the alternative is Australia. Has to be a non European biding nation

COYVB

Why exactly would the FBI be investigating something that happened between a Quatari and a Trinidadian with regards to a sporting body not based in the United States? That makes precisely zero sense

dundalkfc10

dundalkfc10 wrote: »

Same could be said of countless countries

It can't really though. America has probably 30 stadiums that are as good as anything in Europe, 3rd largest population in the world and money in their pockets, infrastructure both nationwide and locally around stadiums. It's fun to bash America for a lot of things but it's silly to argue with how well they could host a world cup at the drop of a hat and to use the things you bolded is just plain laughable.

COYVB

COYVB wrote: »

Why exactly would the FBI be investigating something that happened between a Quatari and a Trinidadian with regards to a sporting body not based in the United States? That makes precisely zero sense

Believe it or not international criminals tend to commit crimes internationally and many pass things through the US or Europe.

The Narrator

It's crazy how much corruption in this world is just allowed.
Nobody really challenges it. FIFA - corrupt, Irish politicians - corrupt, US politicians - corrupt, and the list goes on.

I guess that is why people who expose important corruption etc. are living in airports and embassies...

They shouldn't have the World Cup, everyone with half a brain knows the fix is in, yet seemingly nothing is going to be done about it.

Is this what we should expect from our tax exempt charitable organisations? (FIFA)

keeponhurling

THFC wrote: »

I'm still very surprised that more pressure isn't being exerted on FIFA from FAs and media outlets, especially in the UK. We've heard relatively little about the scandals despite it coming from arguably the most powerful sporting body in the world. If they can get away with something as high-profile as this, I can only imagine what else they are getting away with.

I was just thinking this, surprised it isn't a bigger story with more pressure exerted by FAs globally.
surely FAs don't want their players and fans going to Qatar with that heat, or changing their season to incorporate a winter WC.
Also would have thought the Americans would be more vocal, given they came 2nd to Qatar in the voting.

Perhaps it's because it is essentially only allegations, though it does look pretty convincing.
Still though, would have thought there would be calls for full investigations, disclosures etc.

ronjo

Any chance some countries are keeping quiet about the bribery as they dont want their successful/unsuccessful attempts at the same thing coming into the public domain?

Morzadec

Whatever about corruption in FIFA which is obviously unacceptable, there are people dying in the construction of infrastructure for this World Cup, which should be a far bigger issue.

Not just 1 or 2. More than 700 Indian workers died in Qatar between 2010 and 2012. It's being predicted that 4,000 will die before the start of the World Cup - 12 a week.

http://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2013/sep/26/qatar-world-cup-migrant-workers-dead


Some of the claims are absolutely shocking - passports and salaries being withheld, free drinking water being denied working in 50C heat.

It's absolutely disgusting to be quite honest that FIFA and the world's greatest tournament are putting their name to this, and the suffering is a result of their decision. It really could sully the image of the sport.

I first really got into football during World Cup 1994 - and there is always a certain 'magic' about it that sometimes club football can't match. A summer with a World Cup is always far better than one without. However, I would be in full support of a boycott for this World Cup and no World Cup to take place, rather than support and justify this.

It's never going to happen I know, it's a dream, but it would be fantastic if even 1 star player refused to play, and what an impact it would be if a major country decided to put their foot down and withdraw from the tournament.

The_Kew_Tour

Morzadec wrote: »

Whatever about corruption in FIFA which is obviously unacceptable, there are people dying in the construction of infrastructure for this World Cup, which should be a far bigger issue.

Not just 1 or 2. More than 700 Indian workers died in Qatar between 2010 and 2012. It's being predicted that 4,000 will die before the start of the World Cup - 12 a week.

http://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2013/sep/26/qatar-world-cup-migrant-workers-dead


Some of the claims are absolutely shocking - passports and salaries being withheld, free drinking water being denied working in 50C heat.

It's absolutely disgusting to be quite honest that FIFA and the world's greatest tournament are putting their name to this, and the suffering is a result of their decision. It really could sully the image of the sport..

12 a week! That is both sad and a disgrace.

It's just not on. I would believe it too.

Morzadec

The_Kew_Tour wrote: »

12 a week! That is both sad and a disgrace.

It's just not on. I would believe it too.

Just to confrim, this is a predicted total, based on the supposed increase of workers as 2022 draws closer, and based on the assumption they don't remedy working conditions.

However, in that article from the Guardian it does say that the evidence suggests 1 worker every day is dying at the moment.

To be honest I'm usually pretty politically apathetic, I certainly would usually take the cynical view that we can't really change anything so why bother trying so I don't usually get involved in 'causes', but in this case I'm not sure if it would sit right with me watching this World Cup with everything that's going on.

keeponhurling

Seems there is an investigation

Fifa steps up investigation into Russia and Qatar World Cup bids
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/26662581

"It is not yet clear when the American lawyer's report, which will look into claims of corruption and collusion in the bidding process, will be published. Some insiders say it is unlikely to be before this summer's World Cup in Brazil. "

If this report is very damning of the process, then perhaps they will look at the decision again?

Harry Palmr

In the clear after a fashion -

http://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/nov/12/fifa-ethics-report-no-smoking-gun-qatar-2022

Fifa’s ethics committee judge will on Thursday to deliver his summary of a long awaited investigation into the controversial World Cup bidding process but is not believed to have uncovered evidence that would justify stripping Qatar of the 2022 tournament.

The behaviour of several of the bidders involved in the convoluted and ill-conceived dual bidding process for the 2018 and 2022 tournaments is expected to be called into question, including Russia, Australia, Qatar and England.

Individuals who are no longer involved in football – including the likes of Jack Warner, Mohamed Bin Hammam, Reynald Temarii – are expected to be criticised but the summary of the report does not at this stage name any other names.

And there is not believed to be a “smoking gun” that links the behaviour of Mohamed Bin Hammam, the Qatari former Asian Football Confederation president who was banned for life for offering bribes to football officials during his bid for the Fifa presidency, with the Qatar 2022 bid.

Dave_The_Sheep

Fifa’s ethics committee.

Fifa's own "independent" ethics committee.

Yup, I believe them.

RayCon

Well I'm glad FIFA's own, internal ethics committee have cleared that one up. Phew ... as you were folks.

brevity

Could be a bit more to this.

Henry Winter ‏@henrywinter 6m6 minutes ago
Fifa has to publish full Garcia report now as Garcia disputes Eckert's version of his report. Fifa now in even deeper hole.

http://www.si.com/soccer/planet-futbol/2014/11/12/fifa-garcia-report-2022-world-cup-qatar-russia-corruption


Sky Sports News HQ ‏@SkySportsNewsHQ 4m4 minutes ago
BREAKING: FIFA investigator Michael Garcia has said he will appeal the findings of the FIFA Ethics Report. #SSNHQ

Agent Coulson

Fifa report 'erroneous', says lawyer who investigated corruption claims

The findings of Fifa's inquiry into allegations of corruption during bidding for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups have been questioned - by the man who conducted the two-year investigation into the claims.
In an unexpected twist, lawyer Michael Garcia says the report "contains numerous materially incomplete and erroneous representations of the facts and conclusions".
The 42-page report cleared both Russia and Qatar, who will host the 2018 and 2022 tournaments, of wrongdoing.
It also accused the English Football Association of flouting bid rules and damaging Fifa's image.
Fifa, the body that governs world football, welcomed the report and said it brought closure to the damaging episode.
But Garcia's statement, issued less than four hours after the report was published, reopens the debate about the validity of the bidding process for both the 2018 and 2022 competitions.
More to follow.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/30037729

Mushy

So they've corrupted their "independent" report into corruption! Bravo FIFA!

Iang87

honest to god you couldnt make this up. Thing about it is they are in fact following their rules, Fifa after all do in fact answer to Fifa

Fr Tod Umptious

How dumb do FIFA think the rest of the world is

Soft Falling Rain

FIFA trying to pin the corruption on the country that originally led the charge against corruption.

Lulz.

El Weirdo

Fr Tod Umptious wrote: »

How dumb do FIFA think the rest of the world is

The rest of the world clearly don't give a fuck.

http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/jun/02/cashing-in-world-cup-profit-brazil

As long as there are people still willing to watch their showcase, the money will keep rolling in and nothing will change.

Agent Coulson

This could make things interesting now a major sponsor looks like it won't renew it's deal.

Sony has apparently declined to renew its sponsorship of FIFA due to reports of corruption within football's governing body.

The consumer electronics giant will cut all ties with the scandal-hit organisation after its existing contract expires on December 31, according to Nikkei.

The report states that Sony will instead invest its money in "completing structural reforms" during the current financial quarter, but it follows fierce criticism of FIFA regarding its handling of the bidding processes for the upcoming World Cups in Russia and Qatar.

FIFA's sponsors have found themselves under mounting pressure to speak out against the organisation, with Emirates Airline withdrawing its backing and Coca-Cola publicly expressing its disappointment about the revelations.

Sony has sponsored numerous FIFA tournaments as part of an eight-year agreement worth £222 million, including last summer's World Cup.

FIFA is yet to officially confirm that Sony has declined to renew the contract.

http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tech/news/a613597/sony-not-renewing-fifa-sponsorship-due-to-corruption-concerns.html#~oXdtw7HGj5MSH7

TOKYO -- Sony does not intend to renew a sponsorship contract with FIFA, preferring to spend its money on completing structural reforms this fiscal year.

Back in 2005, the Japanese electronics giant became an official sponsor of the soccer organization, the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, and the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. The 33 billion yen ($277 million at current rates), eight-year contract expires this year. Sony engaged in sales and marketing worldwide for more than 40 tournaments.

The company considered renewing the contract but abandoned the idea on the grounds that sponsorship costs could rise. It is booking a large impairment loss on the smartphone business and is forgoing dividends for the first time since listing.

FIFA has sponsors from six major fields. Sony was the sponsor from the digital life field, encompassing electronics and entertainment. South Korea's Samsung Electronics is rumored as a possible successor.

http://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Companies/Sony-won-t-renew-FIFA-contract

bohsman

COYVB wrote: »

Why exactly would the FBI be investigating something that happened between a Quatari and a Trinidadian with regards to a sporting body not based in the United States? That makes precisely zero sense

Chuck Blazer, Warners no2 who was top of the US side of things with FIFA was arrested recently and turned informant.

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/soccer/soccer-rat-ex-u-s-soccer-exec-chuck-blazer-fbi-informant-article-1.1995761?utm_content=buffer95c05&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=NYDNSportsTw