Sepp Blatter: Sarkozy interfered in Fifa vote

Fifa president Sepp Blatter has claimed there were "political interventions" from the French and German presidents ahead of the 2018 and 2022 World Cup voting.

The embattled chief of football's world governing body alleges Nicolas Sarkozy and his German counterpart Christian Wulff sought to influence vote-makers before the hosts were announced in December 2010.

Russia was awarded the 2018 World Cup while Qatar was named as host for 2022, with the voting process for both events embroiled in controversy since. The Swiss authorities are currently investigating the bidding process around the tournaments.

Speaking to Germany's Welt am Sonntag newspaper, Blatter said there were "two political interventions".

“Messrs Sarkozy and Wulff tried to influence their vote-makers ... That is the reason why we now have a World Cup in Qatar. Those who decided this should also take the responsibility.”

Blatter also claims that the German football association “also received such a recommendation that Germany should vote for Qatar due to economic interests”. He added: “Just look at all the German companies – the Deutsche Bahn, Hochtief and many more all already had projects in Qatar before the World Cup was awarded.

Leadership

“I act on the leadership principle. If a majority of the executive committee wants a World Cup in Qatar then I have to accept that.”

Blatter also insisted he has “nothing to fear” on a personal level as an investigation into corruption at Fifa – which has seen 18 people indicted in the US – continues. The 79-year-old said: “I am here to fight, not for myself but for Fifa. Criticism doesn’t hurt me – what does hurt are the tirades of hatred.”

Blatter announced on June 2 he would step down from the presidency at a congress to be held between December and March. He dismissed speculation that he could stand again, saying: “It is not my intention to stand as a candidate again.”