Qatar has called the allegations that it bribed FIFA officials for the right to host the 2022 World Cup “baseless”.

According to United States Justice Department documents released, FIFA officials received bribes to vote in favour of awarding the 2018 World Cup to Russia and the 2022 tournament to Qatar.

Qatar said it “strongly denies the allegations contained within the court papers”.

The timings of the global football spectacle, due to be held in November and December of 2022, remain unchanged by coronavirus which has already forced the postponement of the European football championships and the Tokyo Olympics.