{UAH} Blatter Indicts Two Former World Leaders In New WC Claims

By Kolleens Udeme  Jul 05, 2015

 

World football governing body's (FIFA) president Sepp Blatter has alleged that there were "political interventions" from the presidents of France and Germany ahead of the voting for the Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022 World Cups.

Blatter claims former French president Nicolas Sarkozy and his German counterpart Christian Wulff sought to influence vote-makers before the two tournament hosts were announced in December 2010.

Nicolas Sarkozy 

Speaking to Germany's Welt am Sonntag newspaper, Blatter alleged claims as well that the German football association (DFB) "also received such a recommendation that Germany should vote for Qatar due to economic interests".

"Before the World Cups were awarded to Russia and Qatar, there were two political interventions. Messrs Sarkozy and Wulff tried to influence their vote-makers.

Christian Wulff 

"That is the reason why we now have a World Cup in Qatar. Those who decided this should also take the responsibility.

"Just look at all the German companies - the Deutsche Bahn (German railways) Hochtief and many more all already had projects in Qatar before the World Cup was awarded there.

"I act on the leadership principle. If a majority of the executive committee wants a World Cup in Qatar then I have to accept that." Blatter said.

Russia were awarded the 2018 World Cup while Qatar were named as hosts for the 2022 tournament, with the voting process for both events being embroiled in controversy and criticism since. The Swiss authorities are currently investigating the bidding process around the two tournaments.

The embattled football chief also insisted he has "nothing to fear" on a personal level as an investigation into corruption at FIFA which has seen 18 people indicted in the United States continues.

"I am here to fight, not for myself but for FIFA. Criticism doesn't hurt me - what does hurt are the tirades of hatred. Envy has turned into hatred. I am afraid people want to destroy FIFA, which is my product.

"Everybody has fears, for example of dying, but I have nothing to fear in view of my work at FIFA. I am not afraid." The 79-year-old added

It could be recalled that Blatter announced on June 2 he would step down from the FIFA presidency at an extraordinary congress to be held between December and March.

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