Blatter admits Qatar 'mistake'
Blatter admits Qatar 'mistake'
NEXT VIDEO 
- Blatter admits Qatar 'mistake'
- FIFA stress the need for improvements in Qatar
Sepp Blatter appeared to admit to Swiss television channel RTS that FIFA made "a mistake" in awarding the 2022 World Cup to Qatar, although world football's governing body has denied that is the case.
• Qatar mulls labour policy changes
• Japan apologises for Qatar comments
• Politican: Qatar conditions sub-human
The decision to give the Gulf state the tournament has been subject to heavy criticism since it was made in December 2010.
Qatar has come under fire over numerous issues, including its system of "slave labour," while earlier this week it announced changes to the "Kafala system."
Although the proposed changes to the system have been called "a missed opportunity" by Amnesty International, Blatter described them as "a significant step in the right direction for sustainable change in the workers' welfare standards in Qatar."
Claims over potential corruption in the World Cup voting process have also been rife, and a report on those claims is due to be released this year, according to Die Welt am Sonntag.
There have also been serious concerns raised over the temperatures in the Gulf state, and it is still not clear when the World Cup will be staged, although FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke has said it will not be played in June or July.
Moving the tournament, however, presents a number of obstacles, including disruption to domestic leagues, a potential clash with the 2022 Winter Olympics and potential objections from TV broadcasters.
Speaking to RTS on Thursday, Blatter said it was "more than probable" that the World Cup would have to be held in the winter.
He was then asked if it was a mistake, and replied: "Yes, of course, but listen..."
The interview asked Blatter to confirm his answer, to which he added: "Well, a mistake ... you know, people make lots of mistakes in life. The technical report on Qatar clearly indicated that it is too hot in summer. But the Executive Committee -- by quite a large majority -- has, all the same, decided that we're going to play in Qatar."
He continued: "I will never say that they [Qatar] bought it, because there was political pressure, from France, from Germany. We can't get involved in political considerations. We know very well that big French companies and big German companies work in Qatar. But they don't just work for the World Cup. The World Cup is just a small thing in what is happening in Qatar today."
He was asked about UEFA president Michel Platini's controversial meeting with former French president Nicolas Sarkozy and Qatari royalty at the Elysee Palace in 2010.
Blatter said: "It didn't shock me as he told me about it immediately afterwards. Out of politeness, and above all transparency, he said: 'I had this meeting.' Anyway, everyone knew about it. I don't really see the Swiss head of state, who changes every year, telling the FIFA president to vote for this or that."
Blatter also made clear his determination to continue as FIFA president having initially stated in 2011 that he would stand down in 2015.
He added: "I have said I want to continue. Of course I have the desire to continue. The path to the throne is not yet open. There are a lot of people who would like to take this position but they realise it is not easy to direct an organisation with 300 million members."
FIFA subsequently issued a statement insisting Blatter had not questioned Qatar as hosts.
It read: "As explained in his answer to the journalist, the president reiterated that the decision to organise the World Cup in summer was an 'error' based on the technical assessment report of the bid, which had highlighted the extremely hot temperatures in summer in Qatar.
"At no stage did he question Qatar as the host of the 2022 FIFA World Cup."
Information from the Press Association was used in this report.
Soccer Hot News
Injuries plague South Africa ahead of ANZAC friendlies
South Africa face an injury crisis ahead of their tour of Australia and New Zealand with seven players set to pull out of the squad.
While South Africa’s coach Gordon Igesund refused to confirm who will miss the international friendlies in Sydney and Auckland, Kaizer Chiefs revealed that three of their players were set to pull out of the squad.
Igesund’s preferred goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune, striker Bernard Parker and midfielder Siphiwe Tshabalala need surgery, according to Chiefs coach Stuart Baxter, after the South African Premier Soccer League (PSL) finished on May 10.
“All three of our players will go for surgery,” Baxter said on Monday.
“Parker’s knee looks like he should not be playing. We gave them painkillers in our last matches. We have spoken to Igesund and their technical team and he understands the situation.
“Look, it’s the doctors who made these decisions not the coaches. We have always supported Bafana by making our players available whenever they were needed.”
South Africa are set to take on Australia in Sydney on May 26, in the latter’s final match before they head to Brazil for the FIFA World Cup, while New Zealand will play Igesund’s team four days later in Auckland.
Reports in South Africa’s media claim the other four injured players are from Chiefs’ arch-rivals Orlando Pirates, which would leave a significant hole in Igesund’s squad, with both clubs having finished in the top four of the PSL this season.
The seven injured players have joined Crystal Palace midfielder Kagisho Dikgacoi (calf) and Rostov defender Siyanda Xulu (ankle) on the sidelines.
While the South African media consider the situation to be drastic, Igesund refused to discuss the details.
“I can’t mention their names at the moment as I’m still looking for replacements,” the 57-year-old former South Africa international said.
“I have about seven players reported to be injured and they will undergo medical test tomorrow.
“I have been in this situation before and survived.
“I’m hopeful I will get the right players for those who are injured.”
Posts
0 comments:
Post a Comment