A very inelegant Sepp Blatter blamed his own committee for choosing Qatar, instead of sinking with his crew like a true captain would do. With regards to that decision, the Swiss declared:
"Of course, it was a mistake. You know, one comes across a lot of mistakes in life."
The FIFA President further stated that the tournament was awarded to Qatar due to outside pressures by Germany and France. According to the Telegraph Sport however, the French foreign ministry said that suggestions that French pressure contributed to the controversial award of the 2022 World Cup to Qatar were “unfounded”.
Blatter's admission found very little compassion in the Twitter-sphere
Giving #WC 2022 to Qatar was a mistake- Sepp Blatter. What are they thinking before giving them the hosting right?
— Fabunmi Emmanuel (@FabunmiEmma) May 16, 2014
Sepp Blatter is admitting his mistake for giving the World Cup to Qatar in 2022. Didn't think about 130 degree weather in the summer. Moron
— Shane Lotta (@Lotta1007) May 16, 2014
Blatter admits it was a mistake to award WC to @Qatar in '22 as it's too hot in summer. You have one decision to make every 4 years! HELP!!
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) May 16, 2014
Fifa's President will have to guard his next moves if he wants to avoid resignation
Instead of taking responsibility, Blatter blamed everyone else for the decision to play in Qatar
Because of Qatar’s extremely high temperature during the Summer, the World Cup would more than likely have to be played during the European Winter, causing major disruption in the domestic leagues and European tournaments. With regards to the likelihood of playing the World Cup during the Winter, Blatter stated:
“It’s probable, yes. In fact, it’s more than probable.”
Sepp Blatter remains largely unpopular in the football community
If we didn't know better we could be forgiven for thinking there were ulterior motives to awarding Qatar the WC. Wads of 'em!
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) May 16, 2014
Blatter 'everyone makes mistakes.' Pretty big one. He's the man in charge. I imagine his resignation letter is being composed as we tweet!!!
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) May 16, 2014
Despite this debacle, which would cost the job of most people, the Swiss wishes to continue his undignified run as Fifa President. Moreover, on the reported interest of Michel Platini running against him, Blatter said:
“[Platini] is a man with a very deep character; he wouldn’t do it.”
Michel Platini could be the next FIFA President
The Frenchman took the President’s statements as an attempt to intimidate him out of entering the race. For the sake of football everywhere, many may hope Platini will not give in.
