Let's not confuse FIFA's corruption with Qatar 

Anyone who follows football would agree with me FIFA is as corrupt as any third world nation. The arrests of some of its top executive members and the beginning of criminal procedures against them in Switzerland was seen as a biggest blow on Sepp Blatter as the Swiss readies himself to retain the seat of power on Friday.

But more than the arrests of FIFA officials, the European media have started their tirade against the 2022 World Cup hosts Qatar.

I've always maintained that there's no link between the tainted officials and the bid which was won by Qatar in 2010. I see it as western media's propaganda against the Gulf nation’s ambition. Many in Europe also never liked the idea of shifting the World Cup from its summer date to winter.

While the international body had already proposed for a winter World Cup and Qatar was cleared from any wrongdoings last November, the arrests of FIFA Excom members are unrelated to the bidding process. The Switzerland Attorney General had first opened its probe in March on suspicions that irregularities had occurred in the allocation of the FIFA World Cups of 2018 and 2022.

Europe is against Blatter because of his 'favouritism' towards African and Asian nations. The Swiss is a master tactician and knows his vote bank lies with the world's two largest continents and the CONCACAF region. Blatter, who first became FIFA President in 1998, would know how strong his support base is. He also had divided the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) with once his close aide, Jordan's Prince Ali bin Ali Hussein from West Asia is standing against him in the Friday election. Blatter has smartly divided the Arab world with AFC head Shaikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa-led West Asia expected to stand behind Blatter.

The Jordanian is the only challenger to Blatter after former Portugal international Luis Figo and Dutch Football Federation boss Michael van Praag withdrew so as not to split the anti-Blatter vote. Blatter has enough confidence to win, which is really unfortunate. Even though he’ll evade arrest, ‘uncle’ must take responsibility for creating a climate within FIFA which has led to various scandals.

Blatter has been seating on a bed of wealth since 17 years, but there’s too much uncertainty and a lot of evidence and stuff to come onto the table. Till then, the arrests of FIFA members shouldn’t be linked with Qatar’s bid as the nation is prepared and is raring to host one of the most spectacular World Cups.