DOHA: Qatar’s World Cup organisers have denied that a formal decision has yet been taken to trim the number of venues from 12 to eight writes KEIR RADNEDGE.

The uncertainty arose after reported comments to that effect at the weekend by Ghanim Al Kuwari, the organisers’ senior manager for projects,

However a statement from the ‘Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy’ has insisted that a decision will be taken only next spring after consultation with world federation FIFA.

It referred to “news reports” about venues proposals linked to “because of cost concerns and delays.”

The statement added: “The process of selecting the final proposed line-up of host venues is on-going in consultation with FIFA.

“Given the size of our country, FIFA and the Local Organising Committee decided to look into reducing the originally proposed 12 venues to fit the country’s specifications while ensuring best playing conditions for all 64 matches.

“Generally FIFA requests a minimum of eight stadia for hosting the FIFA World Cup.

“The 2022 Local Organising Committee will submit by December 2014 a proposal for an appropriate number of host venues, whilst ensuring a suitable legacy for the country and the national league after the tournament. The approval of the final number of stadiums is envisaged by the FIFA executive committee by March 2015.”

One of the most obvious lessons from the chaos surrounding the imminent finals in Brazil is that 12 venues are unnecessary and a cause only of extra cost and aggravation.

Not only will Qatar be the smallest country ever to host the finals but several of the proposed stadia were already scheduled to be virtually dismantled after the finals.

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