July 26 – Qatar will be allowed to play in the preliminary qualifying rounds of the 2022 World Cup despite being given an automatic berth in the finals as tournament hosts in order to be able to take part in the Asian Cup the following year.
Under the current system, the 12 teams advancing to the final phase of Asian qualifying for 2022 also secure places at the finals of the Asian Cup.
The Asian Football Confederation said the decision was made at a meeting of its competition committee on Tuesday.
The AFC also said it would continue to work with federations in the Gulf region to ensure broadcasts of Asian qualifying matches for next year’s World Cup in Russia, as well as Asian Champions League broadcasts, would not be interrupted by the ongoing diplomatic spat.
Lin Xiaohua, who chaired the discussion after Saoud Al Mohannadi, a Qatari, recused himself, said it was important the AFC defended its commercial rights.
“This is an extremely complex situation but we are pleased to have received reassurances from SAFF and UAEFA 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.”
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