FIFA is not immune to controversy and allegations of corruption and allegations always come to the forefront when the world's soccer governing body has to award the right to host the world's largest sporting event. With December 2, the date on which FIFA will award the right to host both the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, coming up, FIFA and the bidding countries are facing even more scrutiny as allegations of vote trading are running rampant. At the center of the allegations are a joint bid from Spain and Portugal, who are bidding on the 2018 edition, and Qatar, who are bidding on the 2022 edition.
2018 and 2022 World Cup Bids Embroiled In Controversy
The FIFA rules clearly state that vote trading is not allowed in any way, shape or form, although it has been rumored to have happened in nearly every World Cup bid race. With both 2018 and 2022 up for grabs at the same time, it makes vote trading all the easier and FIFA has announced that they are investigating “rumors” that two countries bidding have arranged to trade votes. Former FIFA general secretary Michel Zen-Ruffinen, who did not leave FIFA on good terms, has said to undercover reporters that the joint bid with Spain and Portugal and Qatar are the two countries being investigated for arranging to trade votes.
Both bids under investigations have denied any claims of vote trading and FIFA has not said that the allegations are anything more than rumors. Spain/Portugal is competing against England, Russia and Netherlands/Belgium for the 2018 World Cup and Qatar is competing against Australia, Japan, South Korea and the United States for the 2022 World Cup.
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