Maradona demands action against Qatar World Cup 'bribes'

Sport360 staff 17:57 08/06/2014
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  • Wants answers: Maradona has urged the mess surrounding Qatar 2022 cleared up.

    Dubai Sports Council Global Ambassador and Argentina football legend Diego Maradona lashed out at "bribes" within FIFA, demanding action against those involved in corruption claims linked to Qatar's World Cup bid.

    "There are huge bribes" in the world football governing body, Maradona told UAE-based daily, Al-Ittihad. "Those behind them must be held accountable, especially in regards to the latest events related to awarding Qatar the 2022 World Cup.

    "Where has this money gone, who received it, and why," must all be investigated, he said, adding that he had repeatedly denounced, "in vain, cases of bribery within FIFA."

    Qatar is facing growing pressure over its hosting of the 2022 World Cup after fresh allegations over the role disgraced former top football official Mohammed bin Hammam played in its bid.

    Last week, Britain's Sunday Times newspaper said it had obtained millions of emails, documents and bank transfers showing that bin Hammam paid over $5 million (3.67m euros) from slush funds to win support in the bidding process.

    FIFA completes its probe Monday into the 2018 and 2022 World Cup bids, won by Russia and Qatar, chaired by former US attorney Michael Garcia.

    "I hope football would go back to being a fun game away from bribery and corruption," said Maradona, who spent a season as manager of Dubai-based club Al Wasl. 

    "It is unfortunate that there are footballers within FIFA such as (UEFA president Michel) Platini, who have surrendered" to such irregularities, he said.

    Platini has attacked The Sunday Times for seeking to "tarnish" his reputation by drawing him into the corruption claims against the Qatar World Cup bid.

    Meanwhile, World Cup sponsors Sony have reportedly called for an "appropriate" investigation into how Qatar won those hosting rights.

    "As a FIFA partner, we expect these allegations to be investigated appropriately," the Japanese electronics giant was quoted as saying in a statement published by the Sunday Times.

    "We continue to expect FIFA to adhere to its principles of integrity, ethics and fair play across all aspects of its operations." 

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