FIFA rocked by even more bribery allegations

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ZURICH -- FIFA's bribery scandal spread Monday beyond allegations about the presidential election to include the selection of Qatar as the 2022 World Cup host, with evidence that FIFA's second in command suggested the desert nation had "bought" the right to host the world's biggest single-sport event.

Qatar's World Cup organizers swiftly denied the claim made in a private email from FIFA Secretary General Jerome Valcke.

Valcke said later Monday that by using the word "bought," he meant Qatar was using the "financial strength" of an energy rich nation to lobby for backing, but he did not intend to claim any unethical behavior on its part.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.

ZURICH (AP) - FIFA's bribery scandal spread Monday beyond allegations about the presidential election to include the selection of Qatar as the 2022 World Cup host, with evidence that FIFA's second in command suggested the desert nation had "bought" the right to host the world's biggest single-sport event.

Qatar's World Cup organizers swiftly denied the claim made in a private email from FIFA Secretary General Jerome Valcke