Kuala Lumpur: Asia’s football body underlined its strong backing for World Cup 2022 in Qatar, as FIFA probe went viral yesterday.
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) said “the whole Asian football community stands with Qatar” as speculation rose that Doha could be stripped of hosting rights.
“The Gulf is a true football region, with some of the world’s most passionate football lovers, and Qatar is no exception,” an AFC statement said.
“Qatar 2022 will be the first time the West Asian region will have had a chance to show this passion to the world, during what will be only the second FIFA World Cup to be held in Asia. The AFC and the whole Asian football community stands with Qatar and we all look forward to hosting the World Cup, and welcoming the world. “Football is the world’s game that should set itself no geographical borders,” the statement added.
AFC President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, from Bahrain, has stood firm in the face of criticism over Qatar, as has former FIFA president Sepp Blatter.
Meanwhile, one suspect told of FIFA bribes and another promised to reveal an “avalanche” of secrets, including about Blatter.
The storm spreads around the globe with South African police opening an investigation into claims money was paid to secure the 2010 World Cup.
Police are also looking into Australia’s bid for the 2022 World Cup, while in Venezuela investigators raided the country’s football headquarters looking for evidence against a FIFA official held in the scandal.
Evidence given by ailing whistleblower Chuck Blazer to US investigators told of attempts to buy the 1998 and 2010 World Cups hosted by France and South Africa, respectively.
Blazer has admitted to charges related to his leadership of the North and Central American body CONCACAF and membership of FIFA’s executive committee.
Under a plea deal with US prosecutors, the 70-year-old wore a hidden microphone and recorded conversations with other FIFA officials.
None of the other suspects are named.
Agencies
