Qatar says World Cup plans continuing 'as normal'

Organizers of 2022 tourney insist they’re not worried, despite diplomatic crisis cutting off Doha from neighboring Gulf countries

DOHA, Qatar — Qatar’s World Cup preparations continue “as normal” and organizers remain confident that stadium construction deadlines will be met, a source close to the 2022 tournament has told AFP.

Despite the country being at the center of a diplomatic crisis which has seen Qatar cut off politically — and economically — from neighboring Gulf countries, organizers were unworried, said the source.

“I think, for us, it’s business as usual, we have to continue as normal,” said the source.

“In any construction project there are plans B and C. There doesn’t seem to be any issue of getting materials in.

“I don’t think it is something we are worrying about too much.”

Customers are seen shopping at the al-Meera market in the Qatari capital Doha, on June 10, 2017. (AFP/STRINGER) — Customers are seen shopping at the al-Meera market in the Qatari capital Doha, on June 10, 2017. (AFP/Stringer)

Since the crisis erupted a week ago, questions have been asked about Qatar’s readiness and suitability to host the 2022 tournament.

Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and others accuse Qatar of supporting extremist groups, a claim vehemently denied by Doha.

As a result, these countries and allies have severed transport links to Qatar, closing its only land border, airspace and denying it to transport cargo via the UAE.

The isolation of Qatar — labeled a “blockade” by Doha political leaders — also has potentially severe economic implications.

The closure of the border, which Qatar shares with Saudi, is seen as particularly significant, threatening the import of materials needed by Qatar to complete its $200 billion worth of infrastructure projects in readiness for 2022.

Earlier this year, Qatar revealed it is spending almost $500 million every week for soccer’s biggest tournament.

Passengers wait to check-in at the Qatar Airways Hamad International Airport in Doha on June 7, 2017. (AFP/Stringer)

The crisis has also raised major concerns of yet further instability in the Middle East

Another implication is that Qatar has promoted 2022 as a regional World Cup, to bring together fans across the Middle East.

But it appears that some in the region are not that happy with Qatar hosting, with hashtags appearing on social media such as “UAE will host the World Cup” in the last few days.

Qatar though has received the support of FIFA president Gianni Infantino, who said on Sunday that the emirate would remain as 2022 hosts, and that soccer’s governing body does “not interfere in geopolitics.”