ZURICH (AP) — FIFA says a whistleblower’s demands for “unlimited witness protection” wrecked talks aimed at hearing alleged evidence that Qatar’s 2022 World Cup bid paid $1.5 million bribes.
The whistleblower’s conditions “could not possibly be accepted,” FIFA says.
FIFA President Sepp Blatter had said the whistleblower would be interviewed about claims that FIFA voters Issa Hayatou and Jacques Anouma were paid to support Qatar last December.
Blatter said he “anxiously” awaited evidence to justify launching an investigation.
FIFA says the whistleblower also wanted indemnity for “any potential criminal proceedings.”
Qatari officials called the whistleblower “an embittered ex-employee.” Hayatou and Anouma deny the allegations.
