Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Bahrain and others cut ties with Qatar for 'backing terrorists'

Qatar's hopes of hosting a successful world cup in 2022 has been dealt a big blow following which several Arab countries including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Bahrain cut diplomatic ties with the gulf nation, with Libya and the Maldives following suit.

Bahrain, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates all cut diplomatic ties on Monday with Qatar over its alleged support of Islamist groups and its relations with Iran with Yemen and Libya reportedly following suit.

Qatar on Monday slammed the decisions of six nations to sever ties with it, saying they were 'unjustified' and with "no basis in fact," adding that it was and aimed to put Doha under political 'guardianship'. 

The diplomatic row threatens Qatar's international prestige as it is set to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup. In reaction to the new development, FIFA issued a short statement on Monday saying it spoke with "the Qatar 2022 Local Organising Committee and the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy handling matters relating to the 2022 FIFA World Cup."

"We have no further comments for the time being," FIFA wrote adding that it remains in "regular contact with Qatar" amid the growing diplomatic crisis.

Emirates, Etihad Airways, Air Arabia, FlyDubai and Saudi Arabian Airlines have suspended all flights to Qatar, after the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain said they would cut all air, land and sea links with Qatar within 24 hours. Egypt is expected to suspend air links with Qatar by Tuesday.