Blatter Says Picking Qatar as World Cup Host Was a ‘Mistake’

Blatter Says Picking Qatar as World Cup Host Was a ‘Mistake’
Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter Joseph S. Blatter announces that Qatar will be hosting the 2022 World Cup during the FIFA 2018 and 2022 World Cup Bid Announcement in Zurich, Switzerland., on Dec. 2, 2010. Keystone/Walter Bieri/AP Photo
The Associated Press
Updated:

GENEVA—Picking Qatar to host the World Cup was a mistake 12 years ago, FIFA’s president at the time Sepp Blatter said Tuesday, again citing a meeting between Nicolas Sarkozy and Michel Platini for swaying key votes.

The 86-year-old Blatter spoke with the Swiss newspaper group Tamedia in his first major interview since being acquitted with Platini in July of financial misconduct at FIFA after a trial at federal criminal court.