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Qatar selection for World Cup 2022 invalid - report

Xinhua, January 28, 2015 Adjust font size:

The decision to award the 2022 World Cup to Qatar was so "radically flawed" by illegal payments that the Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) should hold a new vote under cleaned-up procedures, according a committee of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE).

The PACE Committee on Culture, Science, Education and Media unanimously adopted the report "The governance of world football" written by British Michael Connarty.

The selection process for the 2022 World Cup was "in breach of protocols, and so, invalid," Connarty told Xinhua on Tuesday, following the adoption of his report.

The recommendation hinges on evidence gathered by the Sunday Times of irregular payments by the Qatari former president of the Asian Football Confederation, Mohammed bin Hammam, made to senior officials in the African football community in exchange for votes.

"There is serious evidence of bribery that I've seen. It shows that the process for 2022 was corrupt, and they're enough to invalidate that procedure by FIFA's own rules," Connarty said.

According to a press release published by the PACE on Tuesday, the corruption led to the early elimination of other candidates, including Japan, South Korea and Australia.

The report goes on to draw a connection between the selection process allegations and the deaths of foreign workers in World Cup construction projects that have been widely reported by the media.

"FIFA is still a very secretive organization," he said. "You have to change the rules, you have to make them completely open."

After its adoption by the committee, the PACE report will be debated by the full assembly during its April 2015 session. The PACE Bureau of the Assembly has invited FIFA President Sepp Blatter to attend the session.

FIFA was contacted for comment, but has not yet responded at the time of publication. Endite