BBC Online :
There is “an increasing political risk that Qatar may not host the World Cup in 2022”, according to a confidential report examining the risks surrounding the project.
The study, by management consultants Cornerstone Global and obtained by the BBC, assesses the impact of the current diplomatic crisis between the tiny, gas-rich emirate and its neighbours.
The document warns construction companies working on the country’s $200bn (£153bn) infrastructure programme that it is a “high-risk project”.
It claims “tournament insiders and regional experts have both stated to us that it is far from certain Doha will actually host the tournament”.
However, in a statement, Qatar 2022’s Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy said: “There is absolutely no risk to the future of the first World Cup in the Middle East.” It insisted there had been “no impact on preparations as a result of the ongoing and illegal blockade against Qatar”, and questioned the motives of the report.
Fifa controversially awarded Qatar the 2022 World Cup in 2010, with the event subsequently moved to winter because of soaring summer temperatures.
Organisers hailed the event as a symbol of regional unity, but in June, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) cut ties with their Gulf neighbour saying it was destabilising the Middle East and supporting terrorism.
Qatar strongly denies the allegation and has rejected a list of conditions for the lifting of sanctions.
Saudi Arabia has closed its land border with Qatar, while all four countries have cut air and sea links with the kingdom.
Cornerstone says it advises clients “to give them unique insights to the reality of doing business in complex and challenging environments”.
Entitled ‘Qatar in focus: Is the FIFA World Cup 2022 in danger?’, the report says “Western diplomats have privately stated they do not know whether or not the tournament will take place as planned.
“The reasons for this are many and include open allegations of corruption – both in the bidding process and in the infrastructure development,” the report said.
“Qatar is under greater pressure regarding its hosting of the tournament… the current political crisis has seen – or at least raised the possibility of – a Qatari opposition movement emerging.
“This means an increased risk for those working on, or seeking contracts for World Cup 2022 infrastructure… with a risk of non-payment and no realistic ability to enforce any legal contracts.
There is “an increasing political risk that Qatar may not host the World Cup in 2022”, according to a confidential report examining the risks surrounding the project.
The study, by management consultants Cornerstone Global and obtained by the BBC, assesses the impact of the current diplomatic crisis between the tiny, gas-rich emirate and its neighbours.
The document warns construction companies working on the country’s $200bn (£153bn) infrastructure programme that it is a “high-risk project”.
It claims “tournament insiders and regional experts have both stated to us that it is far from certain Doha will actually host the tournament”.
However, in a statement, Qatar 2022’s Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy said: “There is absolutely no risk to the future of the first World Cup in the Middle East.” It insisted there had been “no impact on preparations as a result of the ongoing and illegal blockade against Qatar”, and questioned the motives of the report.
Fifa controversially awarded Qatar the 2022 World Cup in 2010, with the event subsequently moved to winter because of soaring summer temperatures.
Organisers hailed the event as a symbol of regional unity, but in June, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) cut ties with their Gulf neighbour saying it was destabilising the Middle East and supporting terrorism.
Qatar strongly denies the allegation and has rejected a list of conditions for the lifting of sanctions.
Saudi Arabia has closed its land border with Qatar, while all four countries have cut air and sea links with the kingdom.
Cornerstone says it advises clients “to give them unique insights to the reality of doing business in complex and challenging environments”.
Entitled ‘Qatar in focus: Is the FIFA World Cup 2022 in danger?’, the report says “Western diplomats have privately stated they do not know whether or not the tournament will take place as planned.
“The reasons for this are many and include open allegations of corruption – both in the bidding process and in the infrastructure development,” the report said.
“Qatar is under greater pressure regarding its hosting of the tournament… the current political crisis has seen – or at least raised the possibility of – a Qatari opposition movement emerging.
“This means an increased risk for those working on, or seeking contracts for World Cup 2022 infrastructure… with a risk of non-payment and no realistic ability to enforce any legal contracts.
