MP believes report into alleged corruption at FIFA can lead to criminal charges

A Conservative MP is reportedly of the opinion that a report into alleged corruption at FIFA could lead to criminal charges.

Damian Collins has asked the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) to request a copy of the report into the bidding processes for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.

American lawyer Michael Garcia had filed his report this month, but FIFA said that its contents would not be made public. Collins believes it might provide evidence of criminal activity, The BBC reported.

Collins, who is an MP for Folkestone and Hythe, wrote in his letter that the world football governing body seems to believe it is a self-governing body that operates outside the jurisdiction of international and national law-enforcement agencies.

He also stated that he does not believe this is the case and that if it holds information that indicates that offences might have been committed, this must be shared with the relevant law-enforcement agencies.

Collins copied his letter, addressed to SFO director David Green, to the Attorney General and Solicitor General. A spokesman for the SFO said that they note the contents of this letter and will respond in due course.

FIFA awarded the 2018 World Cup to Russia in 2010, with the 2022 event handed to Qatar at the same time.

The Qatar 2022 bid committee is facing claims of corruption after A British newspaper alleged in June that former FIFA vice-president Mohamed bin Hammam paid 3 million pounds to football officials around the world in return for support for the bid, the report added.