FIFA VP denies World Cup corruption allegations

Qatar has drawn criticism as a World Cup host for its climate and human rights record. (Sean Gallup/Getty Images)

FIFA vice president Issa Hayatou denied claims he received favors for backing Qatar to host the 2022 World Cup, calling the allegations "fanciful" and "ridiculous."

A report in the Sunday Times says millions of documents -- including bank transfers, excerpts of emails and letters -- reveal former FIFA executive committee member Mohamed Bin Hammam made payments of $5 million to officials in return for their votes on behalf of Qatar.

FIFA says they expect to have their investigation into winning World Cup bids from Russia and Qatar to be completed by next week.

The newspaper says bin Hammam also used slush funds to make payments to accounts controlled by presidents of 30 African football associations, in an effort to influence voting African members.

More on the Confederation of African Football allegations:

But notwithstanding the bunkum of rumours and unsubstantiated reports by the Sunday Times, the CAF president reserves the right to sue and ensure that perpetrators of these fallacious rants are held responsible for their actions.

"I have no knowledge of these payments and the voting system in place to determine the host countries of FIFA World Cups does not include national federations and presidents. Only members of the Executive Committee of FIFA vote," Hayatou said in response to a question posed by the Sunday Times.

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