Alexi Lalas: Qatar World Cup 'an incredible manipulation'
Former US football star, Alexi Lalas, says the decision to hold the 2022 World Cup in Qatar is “a complete travesty, a joke [and] an incredible manipulation”.
Former US football star, Alexi Lalas, says the decision to hold the 2022 World Cup in Qatar is “a complete travesty and a joke"
Mr Lalas, 44, was the first American to star in Italy’s Serie A, and also played for LA Galaxy and the US national team. He told 5 live the US and other countries that bid to host the 2022 World Cup were “taken advantage of and hoodwinked”.
"If you were a country that bid on the World Cup and now they have moved the goalposts, I definitely think that you deserve something"
"The way that this change came about I think is certainly suspect and will be a huge part of the narrative going forward", he said.
Fifa has confirmed European clubs will not be compensated over the decision to hold the 2022 Qatar World Cup in winter. There are fears a summer event would endanger the health of players and fans.
Fifa secretary general, Jerome Valcke has asked why they should apologise to the clubs, at a press conference in Doha. "We have had an agreement with the clubs that they are part of the beneficiaries. It was $40m (£26m) in 2010 and $70m (£45m) in 2014. We are bringing all our people to enjoy the sporting and financial results of the World Cup", he said.
This clip is from Up All Night on Thursday 26 February 2015.
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