FIFA official paid millions after Qatar's World Cup bid: report
A senior FIFA official and his family were paid a total of $2 million by a Qatar firm with links to the country's successful bid to host the 2022 World Cup, according to a UK media report.
The Telegraph is reporting former FIFA vice-president Jack Warner was personally paid $1.2 million shortly after Qatar controversially won the rights to host the World Cup.
The report also claims documents show Warner's sons received almost $750,000, while one of his employees was paid $400,000.
The company owned by Mohamed Bin Hammam, who is the FIFA executive member for Qatar, allegedly made the payments to Warner and his family.
Bin Hammam's firm Kemco allegedly received a request to make a payment to Warner's company Jamad on 15 December 2010, just two weeks after Qatar won the rights to host the World Cup.
Documents state that the money is "payable to Jack Warner" to "offset legal and other expenses" and cover "professional services provided over the period 2005-2010".
The Telegraph is reporting the FBI is now investigating Warner's links to the Qatari bid.
Warner served as FIFA vice-president for 14 years before he stood down in 2011 after he was accused of facilitating bribes to members of the Caribbean Football Union on behalf of Bin Hammam.
A FIFA investigation found that there was "compelling" evidence Warner was "an accessory to corruption" in that case.
The awarding of the 2022 World Cup has been shrouded by allegations of corruption ever since Qatar was confirmed as host.
The intense June heat in Qatar has raised the serious prospect of the event being held in the northern winter, which would cause chaos for domestic leagues around the world.
Reports have also emerged of dangerous conditions for workers constructing venues for the event, with multiple deaths reported.
Australia, who also launched a multi-million dollar bid to host the 2022 World Cup, has publically expressed its displeasure with the decision to award Qatar the event.
A spokesman for Qatar's World Cup committee has denied The Telegraph's allegations.
"The 2022 bid committee strictly adhered to FIFA’s bidding regulations in compliance with their code of ethics.
"The supreme committee for delivery and legacy and the individuals involved in the 2022 bid committee are unaware of any allegations surrounding business dealings between private individuals."
