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Clinton reportedly irate over snub

The developing story of how Qatar was able to secure the 2022 through allegedly nefarious means has been disturbing and troubling to the sport on several levels.

While those who follow international soccer always suspected widespread corruption, this time the evidence is starting to mount that there is indeed a real problem with the system.

Some good may come from this.

Changes could be on the way. If the bidding for the disastrous 2022 event is reopened, the United States may even get a chance to host the event.

Even if none of that happens, at least the world already got a great story.

Former President Bill Clinton was actually a part of the original bid when the U.S. was trying to secure the event before it was awarded to Qatar back in December 2010.

The Telegraph, which has been at the forefront of the story, reported this week that Clinton was none too happy when he learned of the results at a hotel in Zurich.

He had spent two years working on the bid and suspicions were immediately raised when Qatar, which was considered to have little chance, was selected as the host country.

According to the story, Clinton angrily walked into his hotel and retreated to his room.

“After closing the door to his suite, he reached for an ornament on a table and threw it at a wall mirror in a fit of rage, shattering the glass,” the report says. “The former US president, who had spent two years travelling the world glad-handing members of football’s governing body, Fifa, could not believe America’s bid to host the 2022 World Cup had been beaten by, of all places, Qatar.”

The frustration is understandable as Clinton was deeply invested in the process.

It’s also rather unique.

There’s only one other recorded case of an American getting so worked up about soccer.

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