IOC Keeping Close Eye On FIFA President Blatter In Wake Of Qatar Controversy

The IOC, "terrified of being drawn into" the current FIFA "imbroglio after their own Games-changing votes-for-bungs corruption scandal over Salt Lake City" in '02, is "keeping an anxious eye on the machinations" surrounding FIFA President Sepp Blatter, according to Alan Hubbard of the London INDEPENDENT. The IOC is "said to be viewing the crisis over Qatar with 'serious concern' as Blatter is also a leading figure in the Olympic movement." It is "particularly embarrassed over his allegations that racism is behind criticism of the decision to award the 2022 World Cup to Qatar." Several of those alleged to have received money have "strong links with the Olympic movement, notably Issa Hayatou," the Cameroonian who is both a FIFA VP and IOC member (INDEPENDENT, 6/15).