'World Cups fixed by hosts,' says Italian writer Marco Impiglia
Support truly
independent journalism
Our mission is to deliver unbiased, fact-based reporting that holds power to account and exposes the truth.
Whether $5 or $50, every contribution counts.
Support us to deliver journalism without an agenda.
Louise Thomas
Editor
Football's biggest prize has twice been won with the help of dictators fixing matches for the host team, according to a Fifa-hosted conference on World Cup history.
Italian writer Marco Impiglia presented a paper suggesting Italy's fascist leader Benito Mussolini ensured favourable refereeing in 1934. Professor Raanan Rein said he was "100 per cent persuaded" that Argentina's military junta influenced a 6-0 win against Peru in 1978.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments