FIFA president Sepp Blatter has claimed there were "political interventions" from the presidents of France and Germany ahead of the voting for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.
Blatter, who has revealed he will not travel to avoid the chance of arrest, alleges former French president Nicolas Sarkozy and his German counterpart Christian Wulff sought to influence vote-makers before the two tournament hosts were announced in December 2010.
Russia were awarded the 2018 World Cup while Qatar were named as hosts for the 2022 tournament, with the voting process for both events being embroiled in controversy and criticism since. The Swiss authorities are currently investigating the bidding process around the two tournaments.
Speaking to Germany's Welt am Sonntag newspaper, Blatter said: "Before the World Cups were awarded to Russia and Qatar, there were two political interventions. Messrs Sarkozy and Wulff tried to influence their vote-makers.
"That is the reason why we now have a World Cup in Qatar. Those who decided this should also take the responsibility."
Blatter claims as well that the German football association (DFB) "also received such a recommendation that Germany should vote for Qatar due to economic interests".
He added: "Just look at all the German companies -- the Deutsche Bahn [German railways], Hochtief and many more all already had projects in Qatar before the World Cup was awarded there.
"I act on the leadership principle. If a majority of the executive committee wants a World Cup in Qatar then I have to accept that."