FIFA withstand calls for revote into awarding of 2018 and 2022 World Cup bids

FIFA has resisted calls for a revote of the 2018 and 2022 World Cup bids following the full publication of Michael Garcia's corruption investigation. 

Russia's bid, backed by Vladimir Putin, was found to have broken no rules over undue influence.

Qatar's victory over the United States tested FIFA's bid rules to the limit but the report noted: "Qatar 2022 provided full and valuable cooperation in establishing the facts and circumstances of the case."

But anti-FIFA campaigners - NewFIFANow - want another vote for 2018 and 2022 to help "restore confidence and trust in the way world football is administered."

"The decision to stage the World Cup in Russia and Qatar was taken by previous management," FIFA General Secretary Fatma Samoura told Sky Sports News HQ. "There is no solid ground to really question the adjudication [validity] of these two World Cups to Russia and Qatar.

"We welcome the decision taken to publish the Garcia report for the sake of transparency."

Samoura was speaking at a Football for Hope Forum to promote social development, education and healthcare using the game.

Shortly after dancing with Russia 2018's mascot on stage, she was asked about the conduct of England's bid team.

It has emerged that Prince William and former Prime Minister David Cameron attended a meeting when a vote trading deal was agreed by the head of England's bid.

ID cards at Russia World Cup

More than 400,000 identity cards for supporters have been issued at the Confederations Cup in Russia this month.

"I'm only focusing on football," said Samoura. "As I said previously every sanctions should be taken and left to the responsibility of the ethics committee and not to the FIFA administration."

FIFA also responded to claims it is investigating a number of Russian footballers over alleged anti-doping violations.

Samoura confirmed they are reviewing a file from WADA, the World Anti-Doping Agency.

FIFA probe doping allegations

FIFA is investigating allegations that footballers were among the Russian athletes who were involved in state-sponsored doping.

"We have expressed our position and we are fully cooperating," said Samoura. "We cannot elaborate until we get the final decisions from the laboratory. We have a zero-tolerance policy on doping. We have the list from WADA but we are not supposed to be disclosing any names."

Samoura was asked by Sky Sports News HQ to confirm claims the Russian World Cup squad from 2014 was under investigation.

But a media official from world football's governing body prevented the FIFA General Secretary from answering as it was a third question from the same reporter, with only two questions permitted.