LONDON: The decision to award Russia and Qatar the 2018 and 2022 World Cups has been lambasted as “the biggest corruption decision in the history of sport” at a conference in London on integrity in football.
The Foundation for Sports Integrity was launched on Thursday in reaction to corruption allegations that have plagued FIFA, centering on the 2010 vote. FBI indictments, arrests and the banning of disgraced former president Sepp Blatter in 2015 have added to FIFA’s woes.
Despite serious questions regarding its suitability to host a global tournament on such a scale, Qatar was unexpectedly voted by 14 members of FIFA’s now-defunct executive committee to host the 2022 showpiece, with Russia winning the 2018 bid.
Speaking on a panel discussing the controversial 2010 bidding process, German investigative journalist Jens Weinreich said: “It was the biggest corruption decision ever in the history of sport.
“The sheer level of money involved, what Qatar and Russia paid for different deals, was of a new scale. It shocked even people who were involved in other corrupt decisions in the years before.”
A report commissioned by the foundation, set to be published shortly, will detail how one executive committee member who voted for Qatar, Julio Grondona, allegedy received a mystery $4.8 million payment in the lead-up to the infamous vote. Grondona has since died. The foundation also alleges that Qatar used substantial commercial deals via Qatar Airways and redeemed a $66 million debt held by the Argentine FA to help win over various members of the committee.
British MP Damian Collins, chairman of the House of Commons culture, media and sport select committee, has been an outspoken critic of FIFA. “If there is evidence of corruption, (the awarding of the World Cup to Qatar) should be taken away and the tournament should be held along the lines of the 2020 European Championships with a number of different hosts,” he said.
It is far from the first time accusations have been levelled at the transparency and validity of Qatar’s bid.
The publication of the Garcia report in 2017, after its full contents had initially been suppressed by FIFA, detailed a $2.6 million payment to the daughter of Brazilian FA president Ricardo Texeira and how three senior figures were flown to a meeting in Rio on a Qatari-owned jet.
With just over four years before kick-off, Qatar’s suitability remains a major point of contention with the tournament now set to take place in November and December to avoid the health risks of playing in soaring summer temperatures exceeding 40 degrees.
Considerable work remains to be done on creating infrastructure for fans and players, and while building and renovation of the proposed eight stadiums has accelerated, questions have been raised about the treatment of migrant construction labor.
Former FIFA official Harold Mayne-Nicholls detailed his involvement in assessing the technical merits of the 11 countries who were bidding for 2018 and 2022 and how his team produced 30 glossy booklets which were sent to members of the FIFA committee ahead of the vote.
Qatar was deemed “high risk” due to the lack of transport and football infrastructure in the Gulf state, while the searing temperatures that players and fans would face in summer were a major concern.
But Mayne-Nicholls and his team’s report largely went ignored.
“I talked to a lot of committee members,” he said, “and I don’t think they even opened it. They had reached their conclusions before
I sent the report. They had taken their vote already.”
“The whole process is designed (to cover up) corruption and it is still there. The technical aspects do not decide,” said Weinreich. “You can easily design a transparent process to focus on the technical aspects. It’s easy. There are so many experts all over the world who can do that.”
Of the 22 committee members who voted on the 2018 and 2022 tournaments, 11 have either been fined, suspended or banned for life over various corruption offenses.
Simon Johnson, who led England’s unsuccessful bid for 2018, said: “The only bid that was indicated as high risk was Qatar. Therefore, within the limited power that they have, there was a flashing amber light pointing at the Qatar bid saying, ‘do not vote for this bid.’
“The fundamental problem with the whole process was the fact it was at the complete discretion of the committee members to decide on the basis of whatever criteria were important to them,” he said.
Qatar World Cup decision labelled ‘most corrupt in sporting history’
Qatar World Cup decision labelled ‘most corrupt in sporting history’
- FBI indictments, arrests and the banning of disgraced former president Sepp Blatter in 2015 have added to FIFA’s woes
- Qatar used substantial commercial deals via Qatar Airways and redeemed a $66 million debt held by the Argentine FA to help win over various members
Poulter, Westwood to continue as Majesticks GC co-captains for 2026 LIV Golf season
London: British golfing icons Ian Poulter and Lee Westwood have re-signed with Majesticks GC as co-captains for the 2026 LIV Golf season, the team confirmed on Tuesday.
The Ryder Cup legend and former world number one will once again lead the side alongside fellow Englishman and former European Open champion Laurie Canter, who joins the team ahead of the new campaign.
Foundational figures in the creation and evolution of Majesticks GC, Poulter and Westwood bring more than 60 years of combined professional experience as the team enters the next phase of its development. Both players have played a central role in shaping the club’s identity, standards and culture since its inception.
The duo’s contrasting but complementary leadership styles have been a defining feature of Majesticks GC. Westwood’s calm and clinical approach has balanced Poulter’s intensity, charisma and competitive edge, helping to establish the team as one of the most recognizable outfits on the LIV Golf circuit.
Poulter, who has recorded victories on both the PGA Tour and DP World Tour, said he was eager to continue his journey with the team.
“I’ve been part of Majesticks Golf Club from day one, and am excited to continue on that journey as a player and co-captain,” he said. “What we’ve built here, both on and off the course, is special, with a clear long-term vision. LIV Golf has changed the game in ways that excite both players and fans, and being part of that evolution has been incredible. Re-signing for 2026 is an easy decision for me. I’m as motivated as ever, and I can’t wait to help drive this team forward into the 2026 season.”
Team principal James Dunkley highlighted Poulter’s influence within the squad, saying: “Ian is a hugely important part of this team. He sets standards, inspires everyone around him, and brings a level of energy and passion that instills belief in us all. His influence, both competitively and culturally, is enormous, and having both him and Lee back for 2026 is a major boost.”
Co-team principal Oliver Banks added: “Ian brings a unique skillset and personality to the sport. He’s a leader, an innovator and a personality who embodies what Majesticks Golf Club is about. His connection with fans, his passion and commitment to pushing the sport forward make him invaluable.”
Westwood, one of the most consistent performers of his generation, brings more than three decades of elite experience to the team, including multiple international victories and a spell at the top of the world rankings. His composed presence and technical understanding have been central to Majesticks GC’s development.
“It’s fantastic to continue this journey with Majesticks GC,” Westwood said. “What we’ve built together over the last few years has been incredibly rewarding, and the progression we’re making as a team and as part of LIV Golf is nothing short of incredible. I’m committed to helping push us forward in 2026 and contributing in every way I can, both as a player and a leader.”
Dunkley described Westwood’s impact as fundamental to the club’s structure. “Lee’s influence runs deep through this organization. His leadership style is measured and insightful, and brings immense experience to the team, helping to drive our standards. Having one of the best players in the game back for 2026 strengthens our foundation for the season ahead.”
Banks echoed those sentiments, adding: “Lee is integral to the Majesticks identity. He brings authenticity, knowledge and a strong sense of purpose to everything he does. His presence is felt throughout the team, and we’re delighted to continue building with him as we pursue our aspirations.”
Majesticks GC will look to build on that continuity of leadership as they prepare for the 2026 LIV Golf season.
