CricketNewsSports FIFA ex-president: ‘Qatar is a mistake’ by Barbados Today Traffic 09/11/2022 written by Barbados Today Traffic 09/11/2022 1 min read A+A- Reset Share FacebookTwitterLinkedinWhatsappEmail 222 ZURICH – Sepp Blatter, the former president of FIFA when Qatar was awarded the 2022 World Cup hosting rights in 2010, told Swiss newspaper Tages Anzeiger “Qatar is a mistake,” adding that “the choice was bad.” The Qatar decision has been marred by controversy, including allegations of corruption and human rights violations, since it was first announced. Blatter, who led FIFA for 17 years, has also been embroiled in accusations of corruption during his tenure. He was cleared of fraud by a Swiss court in June. The prosecutors have appealed the ruling. “It is too small of a country. Football and the World Cup are too big for it,” Blatter said of Qatar, the first country in the Middle East to host the tournament. He said FIFA in 2012 amended the criteria it used to select host countries in light of concerns over the working conditions at tournament-related construction sites in Qatar. “Since then, social considerations and human rights are taken into account,” he said. You Might Be Interested In Crystal Beckles-Holder, 2nd runner up in regional competition Business owners disappointed Police investigate shooting Blatter said he will be watching the tournament, which kicks off in less than two weeks, from his home in Zurich. (Reuters) Barbados Today Traffic You may also like Lewis 91 leads West Indies to massive total and series win 15/06/2025 West Indies and Ireland suffer another T20 washout 15/06/2025 Teen wrestler shines as Barbados bags three medals at UWW Americas event 13/06/2025