FIFA president full of praise for Asia and the Middle East at AFC meeting

A defiant FIFA president Sepp Blatter said there would be no moving the 2022 World Cup from Qatar, despite widespread concerns about the bidding process that took the tournament to the Middle East for the first time.

"2022, it is Qatar, and ladies and gentleman, believe me, with all that has been said around the world by whom? Those not involved with what happens in football. The World Cup in 2022 will be played in Qatar," the 78-year-old Swiss told Asian Football Confederation members in Manila on Sunday.