Skip to content
Union
Link copied to clipboard
Link copied to clipboard

World Cup host Qatar used ex-CIA officer to spy on FIFA, U.S. bid that competed to host 2022 tournament

Qatar sought an edge in securing hosting rights by hiring former CIA officer turned private contractor Kevin Chalker to spy on rival bid teams and key soccer officials who picked the winner in 2010.

Mohamed bin Hamad Al-Thani (left), chairman of Qatar's 2022 World Cup bid committee, and Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, Emir of Qatar, hold the men's World Cup trophy in front of FIFA Secretary General Jerome Valcke after the announcement on Dec. 2, 2010, that Qatar will host the 2022 tournament.
Mohamed bin Hamad Al-Thani (left), chairman of Qatar's 2022 World Cup bid committee, and Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, Emir of Qatar, hold the men's World Cup trophy in front of FIFA Secretary General Jerome Valcke after the announcement on Dec. 2, 2010, that Qatar will host the 2022 tournament.Read moreAnja Niedringhaus / AP
    by Alan Suderman, Associated Press
    Published