By Samindra Kunti
November 9 – The Dutch FA KNVB is considering possible legal steps against FIFA after Sepp Blatter’s controversial revelation that Russia was awarded the 2018 FIFA World Cup with a fixed agreement. The KNVB have contacted their Belgian counterparts for consultation.
Last week the Belgian FA voiced their dissatisfaction and intent to possibly claim damages against FIFA after Sepp Blatter’s interview with Russian press agency Tass all but confirmed that the joint Belgium-The Netherlands bid to host the 2018 FIFA World Cup had been a pointless venture from the start.
“We stick to our point of view that if fraud is proven in the allocation of the 2018 and 2022 [World Cups] we will consult our partners to file a claim at FIFA,” KBVB officials told local media. “The recent statements by Sepp Blatter give a bad feeling in regards to the decision-making process. We put our trust in the Ethics Committee of FIFA and the Swiss court to bring the whole truth to light.”
The Low Lands spent about €10 million on their campaign to bring the World Cup to their shores. Their bid was centered around a compact and green World Cup, but FIFA awarded the 2018 World Cup to Russia. The KNVB echoed the KBVB’s sentiments that the bidding process requires further clarification. The organisation has hinted that it may take steps in the future against FIFA.
The Dutch government supported the bid with a subsidy of €2.8 million. “Should the Dutch state ask FIFA for damages?” said Tjeerd van Dekken of the PvdA party.
“We are also busy with it. We have contacted the Belgian FA to [see] which steps can be taken,” read a KNVB tweet.
England also bid to host the 2018 World Cup and spent €29 million on their campaign, but ultimately received just two votes and were eliminated in the first round. England are also considering launching a claim.
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