People have been trying to discredit Qatar ever since it shocked pundits to win hosting rights for the 2022 FIFA World Cup way back in 2010.

A top official from the UAE had said last year that Qatar’s winning the 2022 bid was a major reason for the ongoing illegal blockade.

The latest episode of baseless allegations came in the form of a Sunday Times story, which said the country used ‘black ops’ to discredit fellow competitors for the 2022 tournament.

However, Qatar’s Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) has roundly rejected the allegation, according to Gulf Times.

 

بيان للجنة العليا للمشاريع والإرث

Official statement for Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy pic.twitter.com/wrOp97mn4v

— Road to 2022 (@roadto2022) July 29, 2018

 

“We’ve been thoroughly investigated and have been forthcoming with all information related to our bid, including the official investigation led by US attorney Michael Garcia,” the SC said in a statement, according to The Peninsula.

“We’ve strictly adhered to all FIFA’s rules and regulations for the 2018/2022 World Cup bidding process,” the SC added.

By winning hosting rights, Qatar had become the first country in the Middle East to earn the distinction.