British newspaper alleges corruption in Qatari WCup bid, FIFA declines to comment

By AP - Jun 01,2014 - Last updated at Jun 01,2014

ZURICH — A British newspaper has alleged that a former FIFA executive committee member –– Mohammad Bin Hamman, who is a Qatari national –– paid millions to gain support for Qatar's bid to host the 2022 World Cup.

The Sunday Times said a "senior FIFA insider" was its source for "hundreds of millions of emails, accounts and other documents" detailing payments Qatari official Mohamed bin Hammam gave football officials allegedly to build support for the bid.

The newspaper said it shared evidence with FIFA ethics prosecutor Michael Garcia who is investigating the 2018-2022 World Cup bidding contests.

FIFA has declined comment on the report that questions the integrity of choosing Qatar.

FIFA did not comment, instead suggesting "please kindly contact the office" of Garcia's law firm in New York City.

The law firm, Kirkland and Ellis, did not respond immediately to requests for comment, or to confirm that Garcia will meet Qatar bid officials on Monday in Oman.

Rate

Qatar 2022 World Cup bid hit by new corruption claims

Jun 01,2014

Organisers of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar have denied “all allegations of wrongdoing” after a British newspaper report questioned the integrity of choosing the emirate as tournament host.

‘No comment on Qatar 2022 payment claims’

Mar 22,2014

FIFA President Sepp Blatter refused to comment on allegations linking Qatar’s winning World Cup bid to payments received by voters.

Sponsors raise pressure on FIFA over Qatar claims

Jun 08,2014

World Cup football sponsors Adidas and Sony voiced concerns over allegations that bribes were paid to secure the 2022 tournament for Qatar, an issue that is overshadowing this week’s kickoff in Brazil.