Jun 6th, 2017

Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, Emir of Qatar, with the World Cup trophy. (AAP)

Jun 6th, 2017

Qatar’s prospects of hosting the 2022 World Cup are in doubt after diplomatic relations were broken off and its borders were blocked by neighbouring countries.

Hostilities have finally come to a head after simmering tensions between Qatar and its neighbours Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain over accusations that Qatar is a major funder of terrorist organisations.

All three countries have refused to allow Qatar the use of their sea ports or airspace and have closed off the only land route into the country.

Qatar’s preparations into hosting the 2022 tournament have been thrown into chaos with a number of stadiums and infrastructure yet to be built.

Local reports suggest the level of panic in the country is rising so much that the local population is being encouraged to stock up on food.

FIFA President Joseph Blatter (R) and Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani (L), Emir of Qatar, with the World Cup trophy. (AAP)

The border with Saudi Arabia is of particular importance because it provides the only road route into the peninsula nation. Qatar also relies heavily on sea ports for materials and the air blockade will prove to be a logistical nightmare for its airline, Qatar Airways.

Saudi Arabia released a statement saying it had called off all contact with the Qataris due to its “embrace of various terrorist and sectarian groups aimed at destabilising the region”. Relations with its neighbours have been strained for years because of Qatar’s support for various terrorist groups. The Saudis claim they’re propping up the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt an accusation Qatar denies and it’s also been alleged the World Cup hosts have been aiding Islamic State and Al-Qaida in their efforts to mastermind atrocities in the Middle East and Europe.

Those responsible for building the 2022 World Cup facilities, the “supreme committee”, didn’t issue a public statement but a source told the Guardian that the crisis is greater than any of the challenges Qatar faced since winning the vote to host the tournament.

Secretary General of Qatar Football Federation, Saud al-Muhanadi (3-L), and the FIFA representative former Argentinian footballer and international coach, Gabriel Calderon (3-R) unveil the FIFA World Cup Trophy on its tour arrival.

The Middle-Eastern country was forced to hold the World Cup during the winter months to avoid searing temperatures while it denied allegations of corruption and poor treatment of its migrant workers.

Qatar released a statement in response to the blockade denying accusations that it supports global terror networks saying, “The state of Qatar has been subjected to a campaign of lies that have reached the point of complete fabrication. It reveals a hidden plan to undermine the state of Qatar.”

The English Football Association didn’t comment on the developing crisis but the German Football Association’s president Reinhard Grindel said “The football community worldwide should agree that … major tournaments should not be played in countries that actively support terror.”

FIFA, who is now sponsored by Qatar Airways, declined to expand on the situation but said: “FIFA is in regular contact with the Qatar 2022 local organising committee and the supreme committee for delivery & legacy handling matters relating to the 2022 FiFA World Cup.”