Bookmakers believe there is a real chance that Qatar could be stripped of the 2022 World Cup finals.

The Middle East nation were a controversial choice for the finals in 2010 as it beat off competition from the likes of Australia and USA, and it become ever more unpopular when confirmed it would host the finals midway through the season – because it would be too hot in the summer.

At the time UEFA president Michel Platini played a major role in Qatar winning as he backed the bid and voted for them.

However, a major investigation by France’s Parquet National Financier, which investigates serious financial crime, was launched in 2017 to look into possible corruption in the awarding of the finals, and any role the French played – namely Platini and the then president Nicolas Sarkozy.

Since Qatar won the vote – there has been major investments into French football – namely buying Paris Saint Germain, and turning them into a European force including buying Neymar and Kylian Mbappe –  the two most expensive players in history – and their broadcaster beIN launched into the country and bought the rights to Ligue 1.

Now despite the finals being just three-years away, and infrastructure is well advanced with building work well underway on half a dozen new stadium.

Now Bookmakers think there is a real chance that Qatar could lose their rights, and England could be real candidates to take over a hosts – giving they have the stadia and infrastructure already in place.

Leading bookmaker Coral has cut its odds into Evens (from 6/1) on Qatar being stripped.

“Since it was awarded the 2022 World Cup, there has been nothing but controversy around why Qatar were selected as hosts and following this latest development, the betting suggests there is a strong chance they could now be stripped of the tournament,” said Coral’s John Hill.

“If a new host is required, England are likely to be one of the favourites as they are one of the few countries who could hold the tournament at short notice with their infrastructure and transport.”