Two main FIFA sponsors -- Sony and Adidas -- have voiced concern over fresh allegations that the world football governing body's decision to award the 2022 World Cup to Qatar was tainted by bribes.
Britain’s "Sunday Times" newspaper on June 8 accused former FIFA Executive Committee member Muhammad bin Hammam of spending $1.7 million to secure votes for Qatar from Asian delegates.
On June 8, Sony called for a "thorough investigation" into the bribery claims, while Adidas said the allegations risked damaging soccer.
Sony and Adidas are among six main FIFA sponsors who paid around $180 million last year.
FIFA is conducting an investigation into the decisions to hold the 2018 World Cup in Russia and the 2022 Cup in Qatar.
In response to the allegations, Qatar insisted in a new statement that it "has won the bid on its merits."
Britain’s "Sunday Times" newspaper on June 8 accused former FIFA Executive Committee member Muhammad bin Hammam of spending $1.7 million to secure votes for Qatar from Asian delegates.
On June 8, Sony called for a "thorough investigation" into the bribery claims, while Adidas said the allegations risked damaging soccer.
Sony and Adidas are among six main FIFA sponsors who paid around $180 million last year.
FIFA is conducting an investigation into the decisions to hold the 2018 World Cup in Russia and the 2022 Cup in Qatar.
In response to the allegations, Qatar insisted in a new statement that it "has won the bid on its merits."