FIFA Clears Russia, Qatar Of Corruption In World Cup Bids

FIFA ethics judge Joachim Eckert today cleared Russia and Qatar of corruption charges in their winning bids for the '18 and '22 World Cups, and the ruling "formally ended a probe into the bidding contests." No proof was found of "bribes or voting pacts." Exactly when the '22 Qatar World Cup will be played is "still unclear as FIFA seeks an alternative to the desert heat in June and July" (AP, 11/13).

The "heaviest criticism with regard to ethical violations during the bidding process was directed" at two losing bids: England's effort to land the '18 event and Australia's '22 bid. The U.S., which applied to host in '22, "was not found to have committed any significant wrongdoing" (NYTIMES.com, 11/13).