Sepp Blatter: Qatar World Cup 'is a mistake,' says former FIFA President

Reuters  — 

Sepp Blatter, the previous president of FIFA when Qatar was awarded the 2022 World Cup internet hosting rights in 2010, instructed Swiss newspaper Tages Anzeiger “Qatar is a mistake,” including that “the selection was unhealthy.”

The Qatar determination has been marred by controversy, together with allegations of corruption and human rights violations, because it was first introduced.

Blatter, who led FIFA for 17 years, has additionally been embroiled in accusations of corruption throughout his tenure. He was cleared of fraud by a Swiss courtroom in June. The prosecutors have appealed the ruling.

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“It's too small of a rustic. Soccer and the World Cup are too huge for it,” Blatter stated of Qatar, the primary nation within the Center East to host the match.

He stated FIFA in 2012 amended the factors it used to pick out host nations in mild of issues over the working circumstances at tournament-related building websites in Qatar.

“Since then, social concerns and human rights are taken into consideration,” he stated.

Blatter stated he shall be watching the match, which kicks off in lower than two weeks, from his house in Zurich.