Bayern Munich defend ties with Qatar

German football champions Bayern Munich on Wednesday said they won't sever their ties with Qatar, insisting that the growing diplomatic crisis between the 2022 World Cup host and its neighbours is a matter for the German government.

For years now, Bayern have held their winter training camp in Qatar ahead of the second part of the Bundesliga season. They were in Doha also this January. Last year, Bayern signed a long-term deal with Hamad International Airport in Doha.

"At the moment, Bayern Munich cannot evaluate the current political situation in the Gulf and the accusations against Qatar from neighbouring countries. These judgements are a matter for the German government. Bayern Munich are in contact with the representatives of the German government," Sport Bild quoted Bayern saying in a statement on Tuesday.

"A great deal of German companies maintain economic ties with Qatar," the statement continued.

The statement then quoted comments last year from Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Germany's then-foreign minister: "'From a foreign policy viewpoint, there's no objections' to Bayern doing business with a Qatari company."

Bahrain, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Yemen and Maldives have all cut diplomatic ties with Qatar on Monday over alleged support of Islamist groups and its relations with Iran. The Qatar government has denied such allegations.

Meanwhile, FIFA, the sport's governing body, is hoping the regional tensions are healed long before they might have to contemplate any change of host for 2022 World Cup venue.

--IANS

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