Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter has admitted Qatar hosting the World Cup is a mistake despite overseeing the decision whilst serving at the helm in 2010.
Russia and Qatar were awarded the 2018 and 2022 World Cups respectively in 2010 following a controversial FIFA executive committee vote, amid strong opposition to the Gulf Nation’s bid.
Since being awarded the tournament, the subsequent 12 years have been brimming with unfolding controversies surrounding low-paid migrant workers, the readiness of fan accommodation as well as discriminatory attitudes towards women’s rights and same-sex relationships.
Speaking to Swiss newspaper Tages-Anzeiger, Blatter said: “The choice of Qatar was a mistake.
“At the time, we actually agreed in the executive committee that Russia should get the 2018 World Cup and the USA that of 2022.
“It would have been a gesture of peace if the two long-standing political opponents had hosted the World Cup one after the other.
“It’s too small a country. Football and the World Cup are too big for that.”
Sepp Blatter, yes him, a man whose reputation and credibility has been absolutely shredded, is, however, asking a pertinent question: “Why is the new FIFA president [Gianni Infantino] living in Qatar? He can't be the head of the local World Cup organisation. That's not his job.”
— tariq panja (@tariqpanja) November 8, 2022
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