FIFA presidential candidate Prince Ali backs Qatar to retain 2022 WC

Martyn Ziegler 04:47 19/11/2015
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Mail
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • WhatsApp
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Campaigning for change: Prince Ali.

    FIFA presidential candidate Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein has said he will support holding the World Cups in Russia and Qatar despite the allegations of malpractice surrounding their bids.

    The Jordanian prince, who has positioned himself as a reforming voice, said FIFA needed to ensure Qatar keeps its promise on implementing new laws to protect migrant workers but that “they have the right to host it”.

    There have been allegations that Qatar and Russia breached bidding rules in winning the 2022 and 2018 World Cup respectively, though FIFA’s ethics committee judge Hans-Joachim Eckert has said an investigation into the bid process did not justify stripping the countries of the tournaments.

    Prince Ali said: “As far as I am concerned, I accept and I will support the World Cup happening in Russia and happening in Qatar.

    “I think that every country in the world has the right to host the World Cup. That’s the key, however we have to guarantee human rights and labour laws are implemented.”

    Asked about the allegations against Qatar specifically, Prince Ali added: “That’s the big issue out there in the media – at the same time I do believe they have right to host it and we need to have the celebration in our part of the world.”

    Meanwhile, Sepp Blatter and Michel Platini yesterday had their appeals against 90-day bans rejected by FIFA. Outgoing FIFA president Blatter and Platini were both provisionally suspended over a £1.3million (Dh7.3m) payment made to the latter. 

    Recommended