Arnd Wiegmann/Reuters
Money talks. FIFA, the international soccer organization, is all ears now that two of its biggest World Cup sponsors, Sony and Adidas, are expressing concern over charges that the emirate of Qatar won the right to host the 2022 tournament through bribery. Sony has refused to extend its sponsorship through the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, noting “We continue to expect FIFA to adhere to its principles of integrity, ethics, and fair play across all aspects of its operations.” Adidas said in a statement, “The negative tenor of the public debate around FIFA at the moment is neither good for football nor for FIFA and its partners.” Still, Qatar is unwavering in its determination to hang on to its hosting honors, despite the increasing evidence of corruption involved to secure the country’s bid. The Qatar Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy said, “Qatar has won the bid on its merits and we are confident that at the end of the appropriate process, the award of the 2022 World Cup to Qatar will stand.”