Fifa launch criminal complaint
FIFA have launched a criminal complaint with the Swiss attorney general over possible misconduct of individuals in relation to the hosting rights of the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, which were awarded to Russia and Qatar.
President Sepp Blatter has made the move after acting on the advice of Hans-Joachim Eckert, who published a 42-page report into the bidding process last Thursday which cleared Russia and Qatar but criticised some former Fifa ethics committee members.
“If we had anything to hide, we would hardly be taking this matter to the office of the attorney general,” said Blatter.
Bayern Munich suffered a big blow with the news captain Philipp Lahm is facing three months on the sidelines after suffering a fractured ankle.
An estimated three-month lay-off is also in store for Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric, who sustained a thigh injury in Croatia’s 1-1 draw away to Italy on Sunday.
Malky Mackay shortened to 8-15 from 6-4 in Paddy Power’s next Wigan manager market yesterday while Chris Hughton eased from 11-8 to 5-2.
