Sepp Blatter: 'Holding the World Cup in Qatar was a mistake'

"At that time, the FIFA Executive Committee decided to choose the 2018 World Cup in Russia, and 2022 in the US," Blatter told Swiss newspaper Tages-Anzeiger on November 8. "This is considered a peaceful gesture for two politically opposing countries to hold the World Cup in a row. For Qatar to host it is a mistake because it is only a small country, and the World Cup should be for big countries."

On December 2, 2010, FIFA announced that the 2018 World Cup would take place in Russia, and in 2022 in Qatar - a country that had never attended the World Cup before. In the decisive round, Qatar defeated the US with a score of 14-8. Blatter said that the key to Qatar's success was the influence that then-French President Sarkozy had on UEFA President Michel Platini. "Thanks to four votes from Platini and its allies at UEFA, Qatar beat the US," he added.

Blatter said that Platini was invited to the meeting between Mr. Sarkozy and the Crown Prince of Qatar at the Elysee Palace, Paris, France. After this meeting, Platini changed his mind because he was asked by Sarkozy to vote for Qatar. Platini said to Blatter: "If you were in my situation, would you disobey the President?" Blatter replied, "I'm Swiss, and my country doesn't have a President."

Blatter revealed that six months after the vote, Qatar bought French fighter jets for $14.6 billion. In 2011, Qatar Sports Investment Fund (QSI) acquired PSG, helping the team to win France eight times since then.

In 2019, Platini was investigated by France over the bid to host the 2022 World Cup. The former 1983, 1984 and 1985 Ballon d'Or winner admitted to meeting Sarkozy that day, but denied his vote for Qatar was involved. regarding the former President of France.

In 2013, Platini told the Guardian: "I know Sarkozy wants the Qataris to buy PSG. I understand Sarkozy wants to support Qatar to host the World Cup, but he has never asked me to do anything. I always do what's best for the ball. stone, not for me personally or for the Fa."

Sarkozy was President of France from 2007-2012, and he declined to comment on the World Cup bid. In March 2018, he was arrested in connection with allegations of his 2007 election campaign.

Blatter served as FIFA President from 1998 to 2015, but is currently banned from participating in FIFA activities until 2028 for his involvement in corruption and money laundering in football.

Platini, who served as UEFA president from 2007-2015, was also banned from participating in football activities until 2023 because of a corruption and money laundering investigation. As a player, he won Euro 1984 with France and the 1985 Champions League with Juventus.