FIFA: World Cup 2022 Stays in Qatar
LEAPYGUIDE.COM - FIFA finally open the vote about the fate of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar following the political crisis that occurred in the Middle East. President Gianni Infantino insisted the four-year-old soccer party would go ahead.
Qatar is being 'exiled' in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Egypt, United Arab Emirates, Yemen, Libya and the Maldives cut off diplomatic ties with Qatar with allegations Qatar has supported terrorism.
The impact of the termination impact is widespread. One of them also threatened the implementation of the 2022 World Cup, where Qatar will be the host.
[Read Also: Middle East Political Crisis, What's the Fate of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar?]
FIFA finally spoke up to answer the question. Infantino in a Swiss media interview confirmed that the 2022 World Cup could still be held in Qatar.
"No, I'm not used to speculating and this time it will not do it either," said Infantino as quoted by Reuters when asked whether Qatar's status as a host is under threat.
"FIFA's important role, as much as I do, is to deal with football and not to interfere with geopolitical issues."
"We are indeed facing a political crisis, but on the other hand, I believe the region will be back to normal, the World Cup will be held in 2022, still five years away, of course, if football can make a small contribution, in any way and for good, Hesitate to provide assistance, "he added.
The impact of this political crisis occurred when the UAE will face Thailand in the 2018 World Cup Qualifiers zone of Asia, Tuesday (06/13/2017) tomorrow. The game was originally led by the referee from Qatar, but FIFA has replaced it.
"We can confirm that we have replaced the original match officials for the match, which is based on the reasons for sport and the current geopolitical situation," said Infantino.