Whos out of the world cup 2018

French prosecutors have opened an investigation into potential corruption relating to Fifa’s vote for Russia and Qatar to host respectively the 2018 and 2022 World Cup finals, sources close to the investigation have confirmed. Investigators are understood to have interviewed Sepp Blatter, who was the Fifa president at the time of the controversial December 2010 vote by a majority of the executive committee. Michel Platini, the former Uefa president whose decision to cast his vote for Qatar was crucial to the Gulf state winning a majority vote, has not been interviewed, the sources said. Platini has acknowledged he changed his intended vote for the 2022 World Cup host from the US to Qatar following a lunch at the Élysée Palace with the president of France, Nicolas Sarkozy, and the current Emir of Qatar, Tamim al-Thani. Platini has indicated it was clear Sarkozy, whose government was seeking extensive trade deals with Qatar, wanted him to vote for the Gulf state but has … [Read more...] about France investigates votes for 2018 and 2022 World Cups and questions Blatter

The FBI is investigating the awarding of the 2018 and 2022 World Cups to Russia and Qatar as part of its wide-ranging crackdown on Fifa corruption, according to Reuters. The American bureau, which along with the Swiss authorities arrested numerous Fifa officials in Zurich last week on corruption charges, is reportedly examining the controversial awarding of the 2018 and 2022 tournaments, whose destinations were decided in 2010. The Swiss authorities had already declared they were investigating the 2018 and 2022 bids. Jérôme Valcke, the Fifa general secretary, has also said “I don’t feel guilty” despite being at the centre of a storm that alleges South Africa paid $10m to secure three votes for the 2010 World Cup. “I have no reason to say that I shouldn’t remain secretary general regarding what’s happened in the last days, because I have no responsibility,” he told France Info radio. “I’m beyond reproach and I certainly … [Read more...] about FBI investigating Fifa’s awarding of 2018 and 2022 World Cups – report

England should be given the 2018 World Cup instead of Russia, the former Uefa president Lennart Johansson has said. Johansson, who lost the 1998 Fifa presidential election to Sepp Blatter, says the 2018 and 2022 World Cup awards should be reviewed in the light of the new corruption charges. Johansson, 85, speaking after seven Fifa officials including two vice-presidents were arrested by police in Zurich for extradition to the USA, told the Swedish newspaper Sportbladet: “I expect they will reconsider the [World Cup] decisions. Blatter himself has said that the decision to go east wasn’t proper. I am sure the initiative will now be taken to make a new decision. “England haven’t had it since 1966 and it’s considered ‘the motherland of football’, whatever we might think. They are worthy of the attention.” He added: “I’m not surprised at what is happening. Blatter will obviously ensure that he wins the election in his own way. I … [Read more...] about England should host 2018 World Cup not Russia, says Lennart Johansson

New Delhi (Sputnik) – Indians, who are ranked among the top 10 nationalities to visit Russia this season to witness the FIFA 2018 World Cup, are exuding the utmost joy for being able to attend the football tournament hosted by Russia. And they all seem to be overwhelmed by the warmth of the host country.  Rohit Saxena, along with his 11-year-old son Vir Saxena, was in Russia from 24 to June 27. They said they were able to get hassle-free entry into the country without a visa, courtesy of the Fan IDs that were sent to them in advance. Rohit said that the passport control offices at Sheremetyevo Airport had clear and separate areas for FIFA fans to proceed without any problems and they were able to quickly travel to the heart of the city, free of charge, using Aeroexpress.  © Photo : Rohit SaxenaRohit Saxena & Vir Saxena in … [Read more...] about Indians Share Unforgettable Experience of FIFA World Cup in Russia (PHOTOS)

Another four years has passed and it’s time for the football World Cup once again! Last time it was, surprise surprise, the Germans celebrating and many anticipate the same old story this summer as well. But the other 31 national sides might disagree and it will not be a walk in the park even for the Germans. The biggest favorites include Brazil, France, Argentina and Spain, in addition to Germany of course. As a matter of fact, Brazil is currently favored with odds of around 4/1 | 5.0 | 20%. The Germans follow with just a tad greater odds, with Spain now the third most likely team to win it according to odds market. Before getting all worked up and predicting the winner of the football World Cup 2018, let’s have a look at the groups and Accuscore ’s simulations. Group A: Surprisingly one of the suddenly more interesting groups of the tournament include Uruguay, Russia, Egypt and Saudi-Arabia. The odd man out is obviously the latter, but otherwise it’s a … [Read more...] about World Cup insight – Accuscore’s tournament predictions