Allegations of widespread collusion and corruption overshadowed the process from the beginning. Multiple ExCo members from 2010 have since left surrounded by allegations of corruption. A report by investigator Michael Garcia remains secret, unpublished and subject to dispute between its author and FIFA.
The tournament was never intended to be played any time other than summer 2022. And yet Qatar remain on course - extraordinarily - to stage the event, albeit in winter.
‘Some people have concerns, but whatever decision you're going to take will have some questions about it,’ Sheikh Salman said. ‘But we need to look at the overall benefit of everybody.’
The European Clubs’ Association of the major sides in Europe wanted a May-June tournament but that has been rejected for reasons unconfirmed. The Premier League remain opposed to a winter World Cup with a spokesman saying: ‘The 2022 World Cup was bid for and awarded to Qatar as a summer tournament. The prospect of a winter World Cup is neither workable nor desirable for European domestic football.’
But Tuesday's announcement now makes it almost inevitable that a winter event will go ahead, with the only issue being how much compensation is paid for the inconvenience, to whom, and by whom.
FIFA removed arguably the biggest stumbling block to a winter tournament earlier this month with a shock announcement that FOX TV in America had been awarded the US rights to the 2026 World Cup without any tender or bidding process.
FOX and their Spanish-language partner channel had bought the 2018 and 2022 rights for $1billion combined on the basis of those events being summer tournaments and had been threatening legal action if the dates were swapped.
In a secret deal that everyone assumes - without denials from any party - is linked to 2022 being moved to winter, FOX suddenly found itself in possession of the rights to 2026.
Like much of what FIFA has done over the years, that decision is wrapped in secrecy, and stinks. Critics will say the same of a World Cup that ends as Boxing Day is dawning.
culled from daily mail
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