The U.S. Department of Justice last week issued an indictment accusing Russia and Qatar of paying bribes. To secure votes in a process that resulted in them being awarded the 2018 and 2022 world championships.
The USA amid Qatar
FIFA ex-President Sepp Blatter believes that staging the World Cup 2022 away from Qatar is still an opportunity amid new allegations of bribery in the bidding process. The U.S. Department of Justice last week issued an indictment accusing Russia and Qatar of paying bribes. To secure votes in a process that resulted in them being awarded the 2018 and 2022 world championships. According to the indictment, former President of the Brazilian Federation Ricardo Teixeira. Now deceased former COMNEBOL President Nicolas Leoz and an accomplice received bribes to secure their votes for Qatar for the tournament. The indictment raised the possibility that FIFA could choose to take the 2022 World Cup from Qatar, although this would create several logistical problems.
There are a few suggestions like Germany, Japan, USA
The main among those would be the search for a new host in a short period. But Sepp Blatter offered a couple of suggestions for quick replacement. “Germany could do this. But that would mean that the World Cup will again be staged in Europe after 2018,” Blatter admitted.” Therefore, Europe would not be the first choice. The United States can do it instead of 2026. They are capable, and it is not rocket science! Japan could do that too. They also bid to host the 2022 World Cup.” Fortunately, the championship there will only be 32 teams in the world in 2022, not 48, as FIFA President Gianni Infantino planned. The organizational effort would be no more than in 2018. “The World Cup in 2022 should be the final tournament with 32 teams, and the field should expand to 48 in 2026.
Blatter pleads that he’s not guilty
If the United States hosts the 2022 event, it will also be necessary to find a new host in 2026 along with the United States. Which is currently planning to take part in the tournament along with Mexico and Canada. Blatter is currently serving a six-year ban on football-related activities due to ethical violations from the time he led FIFA. The 84-year-old man, however, continues to plead not guilty. “Investigations are part of a major conspiracy against me,” Blatter said, adding that in his opinion. He could be made an honorary FIFA president if all charges are dropped from him. “That would be the best response from FIFA,” Blatter said.