Fifa President Sepp Blatter has reportedly told football executives that Qatar will be stripped of the 2022 World Cup. The head of football's governing body allegedly told members of the Norwegian FA that "the 2022 World Cup won't take place in Qatar" at a dinner last month. German newspaper Der Speigel claims the Norwegian FA has neither confirmed nor denied Blatter's comments, which come after a number of Fifa members suggested moving the World Cup away from the summer months, when temperatures in Qatar reach potentially dangerous highs. Related Sepp Blatter Leak: Fifa Adamant 2022 World Cup Happening in Qatar and Nowhere Else Der Spiegel's source also claimed the 78-year-old called Qatar's rulers "arrogant" and said that "they think they're allowed to do anything with their money." He also allegedly rebuked the Qatari Sheikhs for backing terror group Isis. Controversy has raged since the showpiece tournament was awarded to Qatar in 2010, with calls being made to publish voters' ballots. In response to the claims, a Fifa spokesperson told IBTimes UK the claims in Der Spiegel were "unfounded."
Where's it going? Somewhere able to host it at the drop of a hat ie one of the major European countries.
I think the closest rival to Qatar was Australia, and they have everything in place, plus it will be winter down here, so perfect timing. However, I will believe the change when I see it.
Matches the original selection doesn't it. Did some time in the Gulf and it ain't no place to be most of the time, never mind high summer.
I think that Australia would be a perfect place for a World Cup, our summer is winter down there and the temperatures are perfect for football. All the major cities already have the infrastructure for hosting major events so it's a no-brainer. Football is quite popular down there and a World Cup would definitely win a few converts from the catch-it and kick-it Aussie rules as they call it.
Australia would have been excellent choice first time round. But I think they would go for somewhere with a stronger footballing history and guarantee of a good tournament. There is only England, France, Germany and Spain that could be real contenders imo. Australia fits with the ethos of taking football to new places geographivally, but if the Qatar failure comes true, they coud not risk it.
They said USA would get it if any country. Australia is winter time in our summer !. England would be my choice and the final at the SOL after our capacity is took to 76,000 !
An Aussie winter in June/July is a bloody sight cooler than Spain or mainland Europe, and their stadiums are second to none, they could handle a world cup at the drop of a hat. Might be an emerging nation football wise but rugby and their version of the mixed game take precedence at the minute but that is changing.
No middle eastern country should be hosting any sports event that involves countries from all over the world. Blatter has to stop this World Cup or he'll end up with blood on his hands like never before. Personally I'd choose France, that was probably the last World Cup I really enjoyed.
