World Cup: Hans-Joachim Eckert 'surprised' by criticism over Garcia report summary
Friday 14 November 2014 19:19, UK
Judge Hans-Joachim Eckert says he is surprised by criticism of his report on the World Cup bidding process.
The FIFA Ethics committee chief released his summary of US attorney Michael Garcia’s investigation into the bidding process for the 2018 and 2022 World Cup tournaments on Thursday morning.
Eckert’s summary cleared Russia and Qatar – the hosts of the 2018 and 2022 World Cups respectively – of any wrongdoing, but was critical of rival bidders England and Australia.
Just a few hours later, Garcia said Eckert’s summary was a misrepresentation of his key findings and he will appeal the decision to clear Russia and Qatar.
The American’s announcement led to fierce criticism of Eckert and FIFA, with FA chief Greg Dyke calling the process “a joke”, and one Australian politician demanding the money his nation invested in their bid be refunded.
“Usually you would first speak to each other internally if you don't like something," Eckert said, adding that he had not been able to get in touch with Garcia.
"I have been trying to contact him," he said.
Eckert confirmed that Garcia had not received a copy of the statement before it was made public.
"It could be a misunderstanding after all," he said.
