When FIFA general secretary Jerome Valcke’s email to FIFA vice-president Jack Warner was released, the key phrase came towards the end where Valcke said that Qatar “bought the WC [World Cup].” It seemed to be confirmation of many people’s suspicions that the small Arab country had bribed voters to win the right to host the 2022 World Cup prior to being awarded the tournament in December. Both Valcke and Qatar are denying that the World Cup was bought though and are showing no interest in investigating the matter further.
FIFA, Qatar Deny World Cup Was Bought & Will Not Investigate
Valcke, whose email supposedly served as confirmation that the World Cup was bought, denied the claim. He said that it was a private email taken out of context and that he would discuss the matter further.
FIFA president Sepp Blatter went even further, refusing to even look into the issue. Blatter defiantly stated in a press conference that, “there is no issue for the World Cup 2022.”
As expected, Qatar also denied any wrongdoing. They maintained that they won the right to host fairly, but they too appear confused by Valcke’s email in a statement released by the organizing committee.
“Qatar 2022 categorically deny any wrong doing in connection with their winning bid.,” the statement read. “We are urgently seeking clarification from FIFA about the statement from their general secretary. In the meantime we are taking legal advice to consider our options.”
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