FIFA corruption scandal doggedly taints football leadership

FIFA corruption has plagued the worldwide governing body of football for many years now despite moves by association leaders to quash it.

The latest FIFA corruption allegation involves claims by English football officials that at least six members of the executive panel were bribed during the bidding for the right to host the 2018 World Cup.

FIFA President Sepp Blatter's campaign for a fourth term at the helm is now in jeopardy because of the fresh allegations. He is running against Qatar's Mohammed bin Hamman for president.

Blatter vowed to bring the controversial matter to a close before the election. FIFA Secretary General Jerome Valcke had asked for "all documentary evidence" from the English football association to back up the latter's claims of FIFA corruption.

David Triesman, the head of the World Cup bidding delegation for England, told British parliament on Monday that four top FIFA officials asked them for bribes in exchange for votes.

It was also revealed by The Sunday Times that Qatar shelled out $1.5 million to two other FIFA officials which was instrumental in beating the United States and securing for the Gulf state the right to host the World Cup. Qatar and the two FIFA officials involved vehemently denied the allegations posted in the newspaper.

FIFA corruption allegations are nothing new for football. Investigations into wrongdoing or improper conduct have resulted to some penalties for officials while other cases have been dismissed.

Some FIFA officials questioned the motives behind the FIFA corruption claims since it has been years since the alleged bribes took place and the possibility that the losing bidders are just bitter about losing their bids.