So now: Qatar is said to have bought the 2022 World Cup.
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The World Cup of Russia 2018 should also have been bought, it says in the 70-page indictment.
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foto-net / team photo
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Some members of the Executive Committee, here Julio Grondona († 82), are said to have been offered bribes, according to the indictment.
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foto-net / team photo
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Two former top executives (Hernan Lopez and Carlos Martinez) of the US giant FOX are also accused of bribery.
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Fifa reports that it supports “all investigations into criminal misconduct” and will continue to “work with the judicial authorities”.
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It seems to be true what has been suspected for years. In an official indictment, the New York prosecutor outlined the alleged fraud in the World Cup awards to Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022 as clearly as never before. Russia and Qatar are said to have bought the World Cup. The 70-page indictment says: “Some members of the Executive Committee have been offered or accepted bribes.”
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In particular, these include the former FIFA Executive Committee members: Julio Grondona († 82), Nicolas Leoz († 91) and the Brazilian Ricardo Teixeira (72). The ex-FIFA vice-jack Warner (77), who is considered to be particularly unscrupulous, is also among the leaders. He is said to have collected over five million dollars for his Russian vote.
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Bribed officials
A total of 16 individuals and companies are charged. Two former top executives of the US giant FOX are accused of bribing officials for the 2018 and 2022 tournaments. It is Hernan Lopez, former managing director of the International Channels division, and the former Latin America boss Carlos Martinez. Both belonged to 21st Century Fox.
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In addition, they are said to have secured English-language TV rights for the World Cup finals through illegal use of inside information. The duo denies the allegations.
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Blatter refers to Gentlemen’s Agreement
FIFA announced on Tuesday that it would support “all investigations into criminal misconduct” and will continue to “work with the judicial authorities”. The former FIFA boss Sepp Blatter rejected the allegations and referred to a failed gentlemen’s agreement within the executive committee.
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Russia and Qatar have always denied any bribery related to the World Cup. The prosecution will bring new impetus to the FIFA trial. (ebo)