Qatar gets the nod to compete in 2022 qualifiers

Bengaluru, July 26: The Competitions Committee of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) which met in Doha on Tuesday has given Qatar the green light to play in the preliminary qualifying rounds of the 2022 World Cup and the 2023 Asian Cup.

Being the 2022 hosts, Qatar, who are 78 in the latest FIFA rankings, are guaranteed an automatic berth.

As per the current qualifying system, the 12 teams advance to the final phase of the 2022 Asian Zone qualifiers and also get a berth in the 2023 Asian Cup.

If Qatar do not make the cut for the top-12, they can still compete for the 2023 Asian Cup qualifiers.

On the other hand, if they make it to the top 12, then it is left to them to decide whether to compete in the final round of the World Cup qualifiers, though subject to FIFA approval. If they opt out, then the next best team gets a chance.

The AFC Competitions Committee meeting chaired by Deputy Chairperson Lin Xiaohua assured that it would continue to work with football federations in the Gulf region to broadcast Asian qualifying matches for the 2018 Russia World Cup without any interruption.

It is worth mentioning that Qatari broadcaster BeIn Sports holds the exclusive telecast rights for matches which come under the jurisdiction of AFC in the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain.
From June 6, these three countries have severed diplomatic ties with Qatar accusing it of sponsoring terrorism.

"This is an extremely complex situation but we are pleased to have received reassurances from Saudi and the UAE football federations that they have no objection to the AFC delivering the international television feed for the games in Saudi Arabia and the UAE," said Lin.

"The committee recognises that it is important that the AFC commercial rights be defended and we are confident that the positive work, which is taking place to ensure the matches go ahead, continues," Lin added.

The diplomatic row already had its repercussions with FIFA forced to change a Qatari referee during the World Cup qualifier between the UAE and Thailand held in June. There is also uncertainty regarding the Gulf Cup which Qatar are set to host in December.
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