Saudi Gazette report

JEDDAH — In what could be described as a devastating blow to Qatar’s World Cup ambitions, former FIFA president Sepp Blatter has explored the possibility of the United States hosting the 2022 World Cup amid fresh corruption claims against Doha, according to a report in ESPN, a US cable sports channel.

"The United States could do it instead of 2026," Blatter told the German weekly magazine Sport Bild. "They are capable, it's not rocket science! Japan could also do it. They also bid to host the 2022 World Cup.

The US is due to co-host 2026 World Cup alongside Mexico and Canada, when there will be an expanded field of 48 teams, but Blatter suggested bringing it forward.

Discounting the possibility of Germany or any other European country replacing Qatar as host for the event, Blatter said: "Germany could do it. But this would mean the World Cup being staged in Europe again after 2018. Europe therefore would not be first choice."

Qatar’s preparations to host the World Cup have always been mired in controversies. There have been numerous reports of widespread abuse of migrant workers building sport facilities for the event. The Gulf country has also been accused of winning the bid after bribing FIFA officials.

Blatter’s statement assumes significance in the light of the recent inquiry conducted by the United States Department of Justice. The probe established that some FIFA executives were paid bribes to vote for the World Cup to be played in Russia and Qatar.

In a 69-page indictment, the US DoJ provided damning details on how, in 2010, FIFA's executive committee voted for Russia and Qatar to host the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.