FIFA probe verdict for November 17

FIFA chief Sepp Blatter confirmed that the verdict of an investigation into the controversial 2018 and 2022 World Cup bidding race would be given on November 17. FIFA earlier this month launched a two-pronged investigation into allegations of...

FIFA chief Sepp Blatter confirmed that the verdict of an investigation into the controversial 2018 and 2022 World Cup bidding race would be given on November 17.

FIFA earlier this month launched a two-pronged investigation into allegations of corruption in the bidding process as well as illicit collusion between some of the bidders, following a newspaper report.

The ethics committee in charge of the probe “will meet on November 15, 16 and 17 in Zurich,” Blatter told journalists, confirming dates given informally by the committee’s chief.

“The ethics committee will announce its verdict on November 17.”

Blatter also confirmed that FIFA’s decision-makers would press ahead with the announcement of the 2018 and 2022 World Cup hosts as scheduled in Zurich on December 2, despite the controversy dogging the race.

“There is enough time to take adequate steps if something serious should happen,” he added.

England, Russia and joint bids by Spain-Portugal and Netherlands-Belgium are in the running to host the 2018 World Cup.

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