QATAR World Cup chiefs insisted yesterday they are on course to be ready for 2022 despite fresh doubts over whether they will be able to host the tournament.

A report by consultants Cornerstone Global seen by the BBC warned construction contractors working on the £150 billion infrastructure programme that it was a “high-risk” venture.

It reportedly puts most of the blame on the ongoing tensions between the Gulf despotism and its neighbours. Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates have cut ties with Qatar.