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FIFA completes investigation into 2018 and 2022 World Cup bids

The FIFA investigatory chamber has completed its ethics investigation into the awarding of the 2018 and 2022 World Cups and has submitted a report of its findings.
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The FIFA investigatory chamber has completed its ethics investigation into the awarding of the 2018 and 2022 World Cups and has submitted a report of its findings, FIFA announced Friday.

For the past year, lead investigator Michael Garcia had been conducting an investigation into alleged corruption in the bidding process for the two tournaments. Russia was awarded the 2018 World Cup and Qatar the 2022 World Cup in December 2010. FIFA did not give any details about the report's findings.

The Report sets forth detailed factual findings; reaches conclusions concerning further action with respect to certain individuals; identifies issues to be referred to other FIFA committees; and makes recommendations for future bidding processes. 

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The report will now be reviewed by FIFA ethics judge Joachim Eckert, who can impose sanctions on the hosts. It's unclear if Eckert has the power to strip the countries of their hosting rights.

Qatar's bid has come under heavy criticism for multiple reasons, including alleged corruption, the country's extreme high temperatures -- which has led to calls to move the World Cup to November -- and alleged mistreatment of and poor working conditions for migrant workers hired to build World Cup stadiums and facilities.

Qatar has said it remains confident it won't lose its hosting rights.

FIFA deputy investigator Cornel Borbely also submitted reports on the bids of Russia and the U.S.

Ben Estes