FIFA launch scathing attack on German documentary on controversial 2018 and 2022 World Cups

FIFA director of communications and public affairs Walter De Gregorio has branded the documentary as astonishing and claims it distorted facts ©Getty Images

FIFA’s director of communications and public affairs Walter De Gregorio has launched a scathing attack on German broadcaster ARD’s documentary into alleged corruption surrounding the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, branding it as “astonishing” and claiming it “distorted facts”.

The programme, entitled “Football for sale”, was screened on the network on Monday (May 4) and detailed several controversies concerning both the events in Russia and Qatar, such as the reports that votes for both tournaments had been bought as well as conditions facing migrant workers in the Gulf nation.

The 2018 and 2022 events have been caught in a miasma of allegations and criticisms levelled at FIFA ever since Russia and Qatar were awarded the tournaments back in December 2010.

“Ahead of the ARD programme in question, FIFA received a list of questions to which we responded in writing,” De Gregorio said in a statement.

“Practically all of the answers were ignored.

“At the same time it was alleged that FIFA refused to comment and worse still, facts were distorted or presented out of context.

“The fact that ARD is a rights partner to FIFA is one thing, and does not preclude them from broadcasting critical reports. Although the fact that a public-service broadcaster allows such a bashing is nothing new, it is astonishing nonetheless.

“[It set] new low standards in quality journalism funded by the taxpayer.”

FIFA have come under fire for awarding Russia and Qatar the rights to stage the 2018 and 2022 World Cups respectively since they were announced as hosts in December 2010 ©Getty Images

The documentary also shows that FIFA asked Russia to repeal one of its employment laws, with the statement adding that his was “one of the most glaring examples” of facts being presented out of context.

“During the broadcast it was alleged that FIFA called upon Russia to repeal its existing employment laws, and a passage from the Hosting Agreement was shown on screen as proof,” it read.

“The document was highlighted in two places, but the lines in between were omitted - lines that would have enabled viewers to understand the true content of the document.

“The suspension of employment law relates exclusively to FIFA staff in Russia; among other things, it concerns work simplification measures for employees of FIFA, its subsidiaries, service providers, host broadcaster etc.

“It in NO way constitutes the suspension of working conditions and the protection of construction workers and workers in Russia in general.

“However, this was precisely what was suggested in the segment.”

The development comes after news emerged that journalists and film crew from the German TV station were arrested and detained when they were filming for the programme in Qatar.

One of the reporters alleges that they were held for 14 hours and were unable to leave the country for five days.

They also had content deleted from their mobile phones and laptops, which were returned four weeks after they left Qatar.

Reports originally suggested that they were arrested because they were filming a controversial programme, but Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy quashed those claims, insisting it was because they did not have the necessary permissions.