Blatter rival says Aust can't host cup
The man who could be the next boss of soccer's world governing body says Australia doesn't deserve to get the 2022 World Cup if there is re-vote for hosting rights
Jerome Champagne, who standing against incumbent Sepp Blatter for the FIFA presidency, has raised concerns about the integrity of Australia's bidding process.
The 2022 series was awarded to Qatar but FIFA has since launched an inquiry into alleged corruption and bribes. Coupled with the concern over Qatar staging matches in oppressive heat and there is speculation the United Arab Emirates nations could lose the rights.
Champagne, a former French diplomat, said if Qatar was stripped of the cup it raised the question about who would then win the rights. But, in his view, Australia shouldn't be considered.
"It could be that there is a re-vote involving all bidders; or the other four for 2022 [Australia, Japan, Korea, USA]; that it goes to the 'Silver Medallist' [USA]; or that it is completely opened-up again," Champagne told SportsBusinessInsider.com
He dismissed Australia's chances saying that it also made mistakes.
He points to a dinner in Sydney in May 2008 hosted by the Australian Football President at the time of the FIFA Congress, at which "lavish gifts" were given.
"From that point on, Australia was thought to be like any other bidding country to be abused because they would give all sorts of gifts," Champagne told SportsBusinessInsider.com.
