FIFA set to probe officials over World Cup claims

The Sunday Times alleges that Mohamed bin Hammam, a former vice-president of football's world governing body, made payments totalling US$5m (£3m) to football officials in return for support for Qatar's winning bid.The Qatari bid committee "vehemently" denies the claims and insist Bin Hammam never actively lobbied on its behalf.Garcia, an American lawyer, announced earlier this week that his investigation into the bidding process for both the 2018 and 2022 World Cup would conclude on 9 June.He said he would file his final report to Fifa's independent adjudicatory committee six weeks later.The Sunday Times claims that Bin Hammam, who is from Qatar, controlled a $5m slush fund which he used to buy the support of key football officials for his country's World Cup bid.Fifa sources insist Garcia was already aware of the allegations following a previous investigation into Bin Hammam's tenure as head of the Asian Football Confederation.Qatar's bid committee said it was co-operating with Garcia's inquiry, adding: "We will take whatever steps are necessary to defend the integrity of Qatar's bid and our lawyers are looking into this matter."The right to host the tournament was won because it was the best bid and because it is time for the Middle East to host its first Fifa World Cup."(BBC)Bakudaily.az