FIFA’s decision to implement sweeping changes to its World Cup bidding process came as little surprise to soccer fans and analysts. Money was almost freely being exchanged in past decisions, with an untold millions of dollars in bribes in kickbacks changing hands.
US Attorney General Loretta Lynch said in December that FIFA leaders solicited payments through orchestrated schemes for rights to host not only the World Cup but also various marque matches including qualifiers and international friendlies.
‘The betrayal of trust set forth here is outrageous,’ Lynch said at the time. ‘The scale of corruption alleged […]