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Former FIFA president declares 'Qatar is a mistake'

Former FIFA president declares 'Qatar is a mistake'
Qatar World Cup symbol, © PA Wire/PA Images

Sepp Blatter has told the Swiss newspaper Tages Anzeiger that the Qatar World Cup "is a mistake".

The Former FIFA president held the hot seat when Qatar was awarded but now feels that "the choice was bad".

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Blatter led FIFA for an astonishing 17 years and has been regularly accused of corruption during his tenure.

He has most recently been cleared of fraud by a Swiss court in June, but the prosecution is not satisfied and has appealed the verdict.

As reported by the BBC, the executive committee of FIFA voted for Qatar to host the tournament ahead of the United States 12 years ago by a verdict of 14 - 8.

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The Swiss native is reiterating his stance that he voted for the US at the time, instead blaming French footballing icon Michel Platini for turning the vote in favour of Qatar.

"It was a bad choice and I was responsible for that as president at the time," he said.

"Thanks to the four votes of Platini and his team, the World Cup went to Qatar rather than the United States. It's the truth."

Republic of Ireland captain Katie McCabe has spoken on the tournament and feels that the venue is "not a good look for football."

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McCabe admits she'll be busy playing club football and has no interest in watching the tournament.

One of the many controversial topics is same-sex sexual activity being prohibited in the host nation.

McCabe has recently come out publicly and she hopes that the World Cup passes without incident.

"The decision has been made and the World Cup will continue," she said.

"Hopefully, there won't be any bad news stories around it, it'll be just football played and that will be it.

"For me, I won't be watching it. Ireland isn't in it and I'll be busy playing Champions League and WSL games."

 

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