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Council of Europe to urge FIFA re-vote on World Cup in Qatar

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STRASBOURG, France (AP) European lawmakers are likely to urge FIFA to re-vote on awarding the 2022 World Cup to Qatar.

The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe says it will discuss the issue Thursday. FIFA President Sepp Blatter stands for re-election on May 29.

The debate follows a report to the 47-nation Council of Europe in January raising concerns about ''illegal payments'' to help Qatar secure hosting rights.

The report relied on The Sunday Times evidence of emails sent by former FIFA official Mohamed bin Hammam.

The British newspaper reported last June that Bin Hammam's cash payments totaling $5 million to soccer officials worldwide helped build support for Qatar's bid.

Any PACE decision Thursday is not binding on FIFA.

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