There is “an increasing political risk that Qatar may not host the World Cup in 2022”, according to a confidential report examining the risks surrounding the project.

The study, by management consultants Cornerstone Global and obtained by the BBC, assesses the impact of the current diplomatic crisis between the tiny, gas-rich emirate and its neighbours.

The document warns construction companies working on the country’s $200bn (£153bn) infrastructure programme that it is a “high-risk project”.

It claims “tournament insiders and regional experts have both stated to us that it is far from certain Doha will actually host the tournament”.

However, in a statement, Qatar 2022’s Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy said: “There is absolutely no risk to the future of the first World Cup in the Middle East.”

It insisted there had been “no impact on preparations as a result of the ongoing and illegal blockade against Qatar”, and questioned the motives of the report.