Blatter Admits World Cup Vote Regrets

Following FIFA’s executive committee meeting in Tokyo this weekend, Sepp Blatter has said the decision to name the hosts of the 2018 and 2022 World Cups at the same time was a mistake.

FIFA has come under sustained criticism for a wide range of ethical issues throughout 2011, with much of the dissatisfaction traced back to the process that ended with Russia named host of the 2018 World Cup and Qatar 2022. 

‘It was not the best and most intelligent decision of Fifa to announce the two World Cups simultaneously,’ said Blatter. ‘It was wrong and it caused a lot of disturbances earlier this year.’

Blatter once again insisted, though, that he was the right man to lead FIFA into a new era despite the accusations of corruption that have dogged the organisation throughout his tenure.

‘You must have a positive approach and I have the energy to go forward and bring back the credibility of Fifa and take care of public opinion.’