"Political risk" leads to increased chance of Qatar losing 2022 World Cup, declares new report
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Qatar’s hosting of the 2022 World Cup has once more been called into question after a confidential report claimed there is an ‘increasing political risk’ surrounding the tournament.
Since the Middle Eastern country was handed the tournament by FIFA in 2010 - amid allegations of corruption - it’s £153bn infrastructure programme has been widely criticised, while the event has also been moved to winter, due to soaring summer temperatures in the region.
At the time the event was hailed by organisers as a symbol of regional unity, but in June Qatar was cut adrift by its Gulf neighbours, who claim the country is destabilising the Middle East and supporting terrorism - allegations Qatar rejects. Saudi Arabia has closed its land border with the country, while Bahrain, Egypt, and the United Emirates have also joined them in cutting air and sea links.
The BBC reports that a study by management consultants Cornerstone Global has warned construction companies that it is a “high-risk project” and that “it is far from certain Doha will actually host the tournament”.
(Image: Getty Images AsiaPac)
(Image: Getty Images Europe)
Additionally, according to Human Rights Watch, hundreds of migrant workers have also died in the process of trying to get the country prepared.
According to the report, entitled 'Qatar in focus: Is the Fifa World Cup 2022 in danger?’, "tournament insiders and regional experts have both stated to us that it is far from certain Doha will actually host the tournament”.
Furthermore, Cornerstone reportedly advises its clients: "Given the current political situation... it is certainly possible that the tournament will not be held in Qatar.
"Any cancellation of Qatar hosting the World Cup 2022 will likely be abrupt and will leave contractors involved in a precarious situation that may not be easily resolved."
However, the report has been dismissed by Qatar’s Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy.
A statement declared: "In the context of the current political situation we question the motives of an organisation - which makes no secret of its affiliation to the countries blockading Qatar - of publishing a report based entirely on media reports and anonymous sources.
"The intention to create doubt regarding the tournament, while attempting to cause resentment amongst Qatari citizens and anxiety amongst foreign businesses and residents, is as transparent as it is laughable.
"Despite the ambitious title of this report, there is absolutely no risk to the future of the first World Cup in the Middle East."