Football
Kevin Palmer 10y

Lineker labels Qatar WC 'ludicrous'

Former England captain Gary Lineker has claimed FIFA's decision to award the 2022 World Cup finals to Qatar was 'ludicrous' and suggested the game's governing body is tarnished by a corrupt reputation.

The outspoken comments from the BBC television presenter were given to GQ magazine, with Lineker's criticisms likely to be met with a stern response from FIFA President Sepp Blatter and his organisation.

"It makes you feel sick, actually, the whole FIFA thing, the corruption at the top level is nauseating," stated Lineker. "Sepp Blatter has run it like a dictatorship for so long and he comes out with so much nonsense.

"It is such a shame because it is a massive sport and means so much to so many people."

Lineker went on to suggest England's bid to stage the 2018 World Cup finals -- which was eventually awarded to Russia -- was flawed long before the final votes were cast.

"I was with David Beckham having a burger the night before the Qatar decision," he continued. "We were out trying to get support; Prince William and David Cameron (the British Prime Minister) were out there, too, and I said to Becks, "We are the only country doing this. The whole thing smells; it is a done deal.

"[England] are too straight and I am not saying that as a criticism. We should stand up for what is right and if that means never hosting the World Cup again, fine.

"The only way it might change is for the clean countries to turn around and say, 'You know what, we are not taking part in your tournaments.' But I can't see it happening. There is too much at stake."

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