If there is enough evidence of wrongdoing, FIFA has the power to strip the World Cup from both Russia and Qatar.
Soccer’s governing body, currently engulfed in the worst corruption scandal in its 111-year history, has a provision which allows it to revoke hosting rights for “unforeseen contingencies and force majeure.”
“If there is still evidence that a substantial amount (of votes) have been bought by illegal means, then of course it could be changed,” Swiss law professor and anti-corruption expert Mark Pieth told The Associated Press. “I would not totally rule it out, and of course there are many other questions linked to it.”
So far, the Russians and Qataris don’t seem to be worried.
FIFA has been plunged into crisis since seven officials were arrested in dawn raids last week at a luxury Zurich hotel ahead of the FIFA congress. They were among 14 indicted by U.S. authorities on corruption charges.
