(CNN) -- They stepped forward to help reform the way football's world governing body FIFA operates - and are now bitterly regretting their decision. Two female whistle-blowers gave evidence to American lawyer Michael Garcia, who over 18 months investigated the bidding process of the 2018 and 2022 World Cups. The women claim Garcia ensured they would have anonymity in his investigative report -- and that he broke his promise. It's a report that has become mired in controversy after German judge Hans-Joachim Eckert -- FIFA's independent ethics adjudicator -- published a summary of the evidence the American had collated. "Our cooperation was facilitated by Mr Garcia's repeated promises - made privately to us and also in public - to ensure the confidentiality of his witnesses," said Bonita Mersiades and Phaedra Al-Majid in a joint statement.
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Michael Garcia under fire from key witnesses
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Allegations made following publication of Garcia's summary report
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FIFA under fire over World Cup bidding process for 2018 and 2002
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FIFA launches criminal complaint in relation to bidding process
@placeholder's office declined to respond to CNN's request for a response to the women's statement, while FIFA has said its disciplinary committee will investigate the duo's claims.
Since @placeholder's findings were made public, FIFA has faced a barrage of criticism over the way the entire episode has been handled.