PARIS: Asia's top Olympic official on Thursday blasted accusations of corruption against Qatar's 2022 World Cup campaign as being "racist" attacks on Arabs.

Pressure for action over the allegations grew however as UEFA president Michel Platini said a new vote on the 2022 host should be called if corruption was proved.

IOC Member Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah. Credit:Getty Images

Britain's Sunday Times set off a new controversy this week when it alleged that former Qatari football chief Mohamed bin Hammam paid more than $5 million to win support for Qatar's bid.

Sheikh Ahmad al-Sabah, president of the Olympic Council of Asia and the Association of National Olympic Committees, strongly defended Qatar though.