Russia and Qatar could lose World Cup hosting rights

Russia and Qatar could be stripped of their World Cup hosting rights if evidence emerges of bribery in the bidding process, according to leading FIFA official Domenico Scala.

Both the countries deny wrong doing, and Scala admitted that he has not seen the evidence of corruption.

Scala said: “Should there be evidence that the awards to Russia and Qatar came only because of bought votes, then the awards could be cancelled.”

While speaking to Swiss newspaper Sonntagszeitung, Mr. Scala added: “Until today, the respective evidence has not been provided.”

This whole issue has come into light after a high profile raid at a Zurich hotel last month, where top FIFA officials were staying before the Presidential election.

They are among 14 people charged by US prosecutors, who allege they accepted bribes and kickbacks estimated at more than $150m (£100m) over a 24-year period.

Some have even pleaded guilty.

This also led to resignation of Sepp Blatter, just 4 days after being re-elected and according to reports, there is a high possibility that he might be involved in the racket.