MANILA: FIFA President Sepp Blatter said there would be no moving the 2022 World Cup from Qatar.
“2022, it is Qatar, and ladies and gentleman, believe me, with all that has been said around the world by whom? Those not involved with what happens in football. The World Cup in 2022 will be played in Qatar,” the 78-year-old Swiss told Asian Football Confederation members in Manila yesterday.
The remarks, cheered and applauded loudly by Asian delegates, come as FIFA faces criticism for not publishing a report by ethics investigator Michael Garcia into the awarding of the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.
Blatter took the opportunity to throw his weight behind the capabilities of the Middle East nations.
“It is the second time we will go to organise the World Cup in Asia. The first was a lovely combination, a co-hosting, between Japan and Korea Republic. It was a great success, a big success,” Blatter said.
“For the first time....we are coming with Women’s World Cup in 2016 to the kingdom of Jordan. It is the trust and confidence of FIFA towards the Arab world that they can organise all the competitions.”
Following the announcement, the Qatar Football Association were named winners of the AFC’s Dream Asia Award, a prize given to a body who use football as a tool for social change, enlighten the importance of social responsibility and promote the culture of giving.
Reuters
