FIFA Corruption: Could Russia, Qatar Lose Their World Cups?

If there is enough evidence of wrongdoing, FIFA has the power to strip the World Cup from both Russia and Qatar. Soccer's governing body, currently engulfed in the worst corruption scandal in its 111-year history, has a provision which allows it to revoke hosting rights for "unforeseen contingencies and force majeure." So far, the Russians and Qataris don't seem to be worried. FIFA has been plunged into crisis since seven officials were arrested in dawn raids last week at a luxury Zurich hotel ahead of the FIFA congress. They were among 14 indicted by U.S. authorities on corruption charges. In a separate probe, Swiss authorities are investigating the 2018 and 2022 World Cup bidding contests, which went to Russia and Qatar. In the wake of the two investigations, FIFA President Sepp Blatter announced his decision to resign. That came only four days after he was re-elected for a fifth, four-term. U.S. authorities are also looking specifically at the 79-year-old Blatter, but he has not been formally charged.