How the s**tting f**k did it happen? $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $$$$$$

And when 2022 was announced, it was like FIFA was boasting to the whole world: "We're corrupt as f**k - and there's nothing you can do about it".

The specific reasons Qatar got it?

(a) Platini, Beckenbauer and Rummenigge all backed them (Blatter didn't) - in the latter two's cases, while being leant on heavily by Merkel because it'd be "good for German business". Revolting.

(b) Kickbacks. Since 2006, why have FIFA never given the World Cup to a country with the stadiums already in place? Because when a host has to build new stadia, this means sub-contractors - and in the case of the FIFA ExCo, lots of lovely, juicy kickbacks.

In Qatar's case, this extended to them promising to (i) build the stadiums; then (ii) take them down, and have them reassembled in ExCo members' home countries. Meaning not one, but TWO rounds of kickbacks. Sorted.

Russia's success, meanwhile, was also down to brown envelopes. Lots and lots and lots of them.

Posted By: thebigfeller, Feb 24, 10:33:21