Domenico Scala, the independent chairman of FIFA's audit compliance committee, has hinted that Russia and Qatar could be stripped as World Cup hosts should evidence of wrongdoing emerge.
Big questions still remain over the legality of both bidding processes, after 14 high-ranking officials from world football's governing body were charged by US authorities over allegations of racketeering, wire fraud and money-laundering conspiracies.
The FBI recently confirmed that an investigation into the hosting of both the 2018 and 2022 World Cups is underway, although Qatar and Russia have strenuously denied any malpractice.
Speaking to Swiss newspaper Sonntagszeitung, Scala said: "Should there be evidence that the awards to Qatar and Russia came only because of bought votes, then the awards could be cancelled."
The Football Association yesterday ruled out hosting either tournament, even if evidence of wrongdoing does emerge during the ongoing probe.
Daniel Lewis
