FIFA to rule over votes allegations
FIFA’s ethics committee will today announce their decision on two executive members accused of asking for money in exchange for World Cup votes.
Nigeria’s Amos Adamu and Tahiti’s Reynald Temarii have been suspended following an undercover Sunday Times investigation and any sanctions will be announced in Zurich this morning following a three-day hearing.
The ethics committee will also confirm the outcome of their investigation into allegations that 2018 World Cup bidders Spain/Portugal and 2022 bidders Qatar colluded to trade votes, against bidding regulations.
In terms of the corruption allegations, Adamu’s position appears to be in greater danger because according to the Sunday Times he asked for money for projects to be paid via a family company.
Temarii has insisted he was merely wanting to boost football facilities in the Pacific islands and was not seeking any personal gain. Both men have denied any wrongdoing.
Should the ethics committee decide on any longer suspensions, that would prohibit the members from voting on the 2018 and 2022 hosts on December 2.
Adamu’s seat on the executive committee is up for election in February.
The ethics committee will also rule on four former executive members who are still FIFA officials – Slim Aloulou, Amadu Diakite, Ahongalu Fusimalohi and Ismael Bhamjee – who have also been suspended following the Sunday Times probe.
Spain/Portugal and Qatar are confident they will escape any action for the alleged collusion as it is believed no evidence of any agreement has come to light.
