Qatar world cup seems to be getting more media coverage than world up in Brazil these days, thanks to the latest discloser by The Sunday Times that says more than millions of dollars were paid in bribe to win the hosting rights of one of the most controversial world cups ever. After FIFA President and Qataris football association, now its turn to event sponsors who are coming forward to seek an explanation and investigation about the confident discloser by the English newspaper. Sony, one the key sponsors of the event, has demanded a thorough inquiry over the allegation put on by the newspaper. Sony’s reaction has come after FIFA vice president assurance they would not hesitate in re-polling if they found anything true in the documents provided by the English source. Notably, there have been many similar complaints in the past as well but no one did take them seriously but when Sunday times came forward with thousands of supporting documents, FIFA had to initiate an immediate inquiry into the matter. Bin Hammam, the main accused in the whole scandal, apparently used his connections with the Royal Qatari family to influence FIFA officials to support their bid in the world cup.
When Bin Hammam is questioned by the media, he himself did not respond; however, his close aide said whatever he did was in his personal capacity hence he never broke any rule of law so there is no question of holding him responsible for the charges being made by the English Newspaper. Sony, specifically is concerned whether he did it intentionally to favor someone not allowed in FIFA rules book or it was just a routine influential talk between FIFA officials and Hammam that developed into a favor eventually. Denying the growing bad image about FIFA executives, Jim Boyce said last week, “Since I joined Fifa’s executive committee in 2011 half of the committee has gone. Mr Bin Hammam, who there’s been a lot of talk about recently, has been banned for life by Fifa and many of these other people mentioned are no longer at Fifa as well.
“There are a lot of very good people at Fifa and people who are only interested in furthering the game of football. And obviously Fifa don’t get enough credit for what they do around the world.”
Since Sony has taken the initiative, other key sponsors are likely to come forward at a later stage if investigation finds anything serious over the issue. Until then, be assured 2022 FIFA event is going to rock your mind – positively or negatively!