Russia & Qatar flagged as 'medium/high risk'
FIFA's own inspection reports flagged Russia and Qatar as the only two bidders classified as medium and high risk — yet both won hosting rights.
Where this was said
FIFA's Own Inspectors Flagged Russia and Qatar — Then Voted for Them
At 38:19 · chapter starts 37:35
On November 17th, 2010, FIFA released its official inspection reports, and the findings were damning for the eventual winners. Russia was criticised for its 'vastness and remoteness.' Qatar's high summer temperatures were called 'a potential health risk for players, officials, the FIFA family, and spectators.' Australia, Japan, and South Korea were flagged for time zone challenges to broadcasting rights. England and the US? Minor issues only. Russia and Qatar were the only two nations classified as medium and high risk — language that, in any rational evaluation process, should have disqualified them. On December 2nd, the EXCO gathered in a subterranean boardroom in Zurich and cast their votes. Sepp Blatter walked onto the stage and announced: the 2018 World Cup would go to Russia. The 2022 World Cup would go to Qatar.
Russia and Qatar Win Despite Being Flagged as 'High Risk'
FIFA's own inspection reports flagged Russia and Qatar as the only two bidders rated medium and high risk, citing Russia's remoteness and Qatar's lethal summer heat. England and the US were rated as the best candidates. The winners were Russia and Qatar.
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