If an export ban is placed on materials for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar from Saudi Arabia, delays in the completion of some of the World Cup’s projects are likely, Naser al-Tamimi, a U.K.-based Middle East analyst said yesterday. Qatar plans to construct nine new medium and large-sized football stadiums in the country to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Tamimi told Anadolu Agency that Qatar imports large quantities of building materials, cement, steel and food from Saudi Arabia.

“If they stop coming from the Kingdom, Qatar has to import them from other countries, which subsequently means increasing the costs and perhaps incurring delays in the completion of some of the World Cup projects,” he explained.

The expert also affirmed that energy supplies, specifically gas exports from Qatar and the UAE, would be unaffected in the current dispute because of established bilateral gas agreements.

“Meanwhile, if Qatar’s land borders and air space are closed for any length of time, it could negatively affect the timeline and delivery of World Cup projects,” he added. Meanwhile,

Iran’s Persepolis and Saudi Arabia’s Al Ahli will no longer play their second leg Asian Champions League quarterfinals in Qatar, the football body said. It also means a new venue will have to be found for the matches between the two teams, scheduled for August and September.

Source: dailysabah.com