Corruption

FIFI has a long history of shady deals and the lack of tranparency.  George Vecsey's Eight World Cups: My Journey Through the Beauty and the Dark Sideof Soccer" nicely touches on this. 

However, the awarding of  World Cup 2022 to Qatar is the latest and most flagrant example.  FIFA, for the only time in its history, awarded two World Cups at the same time, Russia in 2018 and Qatar in 2022.  The created oppoprtunity for vote swapping and bribes.

How could FIFA consider holding World Cup 2022 in a country where it is extremely hot during June-July and against the advice of their medical advisors?

Qatar 2088: Was the Fix In?

 Qatar World Cup 2022 investigation: it doesn't get more serious than this for Fifa.  Conservative MP for Folkestone and Hythe Damian Collins says allegations that a Fifa official received $1.2m from a Qatari firm linked to the country's successful bid for the 2022 World Cup are "incredibly serious.


Qatar World Cup 2022 investigation: On the trail of former FIFA vice-president Jack Warner. 


Qatar World Cup 2022 investigation: former Fifa vice-president Jack Warner and family paid millions. 

Former Qatari FIFA official allegedly paid out $5 million in bid to obtain 2022 World Cup.

Is World Cup 2014 Good For Brazil?

Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO): FIFA and the World Cup has a good take on the corruption of FIFA and its effect upon host countries.

Fixed Matches

"The Fixer Offense" by the NYT's editorial board has also weighed in on this issue.  Their article includes an investigative report by Declan Hill and Jeré Longman of The Times, indicating that fixers have found teams and referees from impoverished countries to be particularly vulnerable to bribery. FIFA promises that the Brazil matches will have tighter security and more rigorous screening of referees and players. But gambling on global soccer is booming, and the syndicates are experienced at beating the game with protection muscle, locker-room infiltrators and businessmen capitalizing on fixes.