Wednesday 3 June 2015 23:14, UK
A US law enforcement official has confirmed the FBI corruption investigation into FIFA includes scrutiny of how it awarded the 2018 World Cup to Russia and the 2022 competition to Qatar.
The Russia 2018 Chief Executive Alexei Sorokin told Sky Sports News HQ last week that their bid team did nothing wrong, saying: “We did everything the process wanted us to do. So we don’t know what else we can contribute.
“We’ve repeatedly said the process was transparent,” he added. “We’re not afraid or concerned with any investigations.
“It’s strange that there is a chance to go through the same thing again, where everything was seemingly closed.”
Sorokin also denied that they have been contacted by the police.
Russian president Vladimir Putin's spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, insists that the country is continuing with its plans to host the event.
"We have no information on what the reason was for [Sepp Blatter’s] resignation," Peskov said.
“Cooperation with FIFA is going on and, most importantly, Russia is continuing preparations for the 2018 World Cup."
Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko said: "There is no threat at all [to Russia hosting the event]."
Meanwhile, Qatar's World Cup organisers have said that recent events at FIFA would "not impact" on the country's preparations for its hosting of the tournament in seven years' time: "Qatar has faced criticism from the moment we won the right to bring this tournament to the Middle East for the first time.
“We remain committed to using the World Cup as a platform to break down prejudice and misconceptions, while leaving a lasting legacy for our country and the rest of the region."
Swiss authorities have also launched an inquiry into the votes.
