World Cup inquiry clears Qatar but criticises English FA

The English Football Association has been accused of flouting bidding rules in its attempt to stage the 2018 World Cup - but 2022 hosts Qatar have been cleared of corruption allegations.

A Fifa report says the FA behaved improperly when trying to win the backing of a key voter.
Qatar faced a number of claims surrounding its bid, but the Gulf state is now in the clear.
In effect, Fifa's long-awaited report ends talk of a re-vote.
In a statement, football's world governing body welcomed the fact that "a degree of closure has been reached".

Britain's Fifa vice-president Jim Boyce
"I feel it is now very important that people should concentrate solely on the wonderful occasion that the World Cup provides to the many millions of people who enjoy our game."

However, the FA baulked at the criticism levelled at it, insisting it had "conducted a transparent bid".
An FA statement read: "We do not accept any criticism regarding the integrity of England's bid or any of the individuals involved."
The news that the FA has been criticised is a surprise given that it has repeatedly called for transparency in the voting process and accused Fifa of not doing enough to stamp out corruption.
The FA is accused of trying to "curry favour" with former Fifa vice-president Jack Warner, who quit his role in 2011 amid bribery allegations.