GCC crisis won’t affect World Cup: Infantino

FIFA President Gianni Infantino said the diplomatic crisis in the Gulf region will not have any impact on the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

In an interview published in Swiss newspapers Le Matin Dimanche and Sonntagszeitung, the FIFA boss said, “I expect the diplomatic situation to be back to normal by the time the tournament is played in five-and-a-half years’ time.”

Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Bahrain cut links with Qatar a fortnight ago, accusing Doha of supporting terrorism, but Qatar denied such allegations.

Asked if he believed the World Cup in Qatar was in danger, Infantino said, “No. I’m not in the habit of speculating and I’m not going to this time either.”

Meanwhile, the Supreme Committee for Legacy and Delivery (SCLD) said the economic sanctions on Qatar has not affected its preparations to host the 2022 edition, and alternative sources for construction materials had been secured.

In the run-up to the tournament, the country is scheduled to host multiple events across many different sports, aimed at improving infrastructure and expertise.

“I can confirm to everybody that there’s absolutely no impact on the progress of work,” said SCLD Executive Director, Competition Venues, Ghanim Al Kuwari.

In an interview to Qatar News Agency, Kuwari said around 45 per cent of the work in accordance with plans.

Most of the construction materials needed for building stadiums had been coming by land through Saudi Arabia, a route now blocked, but Kuwari said alternative suppliers have been organised.

“We’ve actually organised alternative sources from other areas in order the work on the project is not impacted,” he added.

Reuters