FIFA issues response after nations cut ties with World Cup 2022 host Qatar

FIFA says it remains in “regular contact with Qatar” amid a growing diplomatic crisis between the Arab country and its neighbours.

Bahrain, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates all cut diplomatic ties on Monday with Qatar over its alleged support of Islamist groups and its relations with Iran. Yemen and Libya are also reported to have followed suit.

World Cup 2022 host Qatar denies the allegations and called the decision from its neighbouring countries to cut ties “unjustified” and with “no basis in fact,” according to the BBC.

FIFA issued a short statement on Monday saying it spoke with “the Qatar 2022 Local Organising Committee and the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy handling matters relating to the 2022 FIFA World Cup.”

FIFA added: “We have no further comments for the time being.”