Qatar's World Cup preparations continue "as normal" and organisers 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 centre of a diplomatic crisis which has seen Qatar cut off politically - and economically - from neighbouring Gulf countries, organisers 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." 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 - labelled a "blockade" by Doha political leaders - also has potentially severe economic implications.
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