A confidential report has warned that Qatar’s plans to stage the 2022 World Cup is coming under ‘increasing political risk’.
The BBC has obtained a copy of the study – put together by management consultants Cornerstone Global – which looks at the impact of the diplomatic crisis between the nation and its neighbours.
Dan Roan, BBC Sport’s editor, writes that the report warns construction companies working on Qatar’s multi-billion pound infrastructure developments that it is a ‘high risk project’, adding that tournament insiders and regional experts have both stated that it is ‘far from certain’ that the World Cup will take place in the country.
As you might expect, Qatar have been quick to deny the claims. The tournament’s Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy has responded by saying: ‘There is absolutely no risk to the future of the first World Cup in the Middle East,’ insisting that the the ongoing blockade against the country has had ‘no impact’ on preparations for the tournament.
Earlier in the year, Saudi Arabia and other countries in the region severed ties with their Gulf neighbour, claiming it was destabilising the Middle East and supporting terrorism – allegations Qatar has strongly denied. In light of the report by Cornerstone Global, Qatar has again insisted the blockade is ‘illegal’.
