Qatar denies knowledge of alleged World Cup corruption

20 March 2014

New report claims almost $2m was paid to Fifa official and his family  

The Qatari committee responsible for overseeing the country’s 2022 Fifa World Cup preparations has denied any wrongdoing following new allegations of corruption relating to Qatar’s controversial bid to host the tournament.

A report on Tuesday by London-based news agency The Telegraph claimed Fifa’s former vice-president and members of his family were paid almost $2m by a company linked to former Qatari football official Mohamed bin Hammam just weeks after it was announced Qatar would host the tournament.

Jack Warner, the former vice-president for football’s governing body, was allegedly paid $1.2m personally, while $750,000 was paid to his sons. Another $400,000 was dispersed to one of Warner’s employees.

Warner stepped down as Fifa’s vice-president in 2011, amid accusations of facilitating bribes after 14 years in the position.

“The Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy and the individual involved in the 2022 Bid Committee are unaware of any allegations surrounding business dealings between private individuals,” the committee said in a statement. “The 2022 Bid Committee strictly adhered to Fifa bidding regulations in compliance with their code of ethics.”

Qatar has already faced a storm of controversy since winning the bid due to concerns about holding the games in the searing heat and about the working conditions faced by labourers building the World Cup stadiums.

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