Christian Benitez's loss questions Qatar's World Cup 2022 credentials?

Christian Benitez (FILE PHOTO)

As the news comes out of Ecuador that the Federation has hired a private jet to bring back the body of Christian ‘Chucho’ Benítez home, questions still surrounds the circumstances of his death.

Initial reports suggested that he had suffered from a cardio respiratory arrest as he was admitted to the hospital with stomach pain just hours after his debut for El Jaish against Qatar SC in the Sheikh Jassem Cup.

But what’s even more apprehensive is that autopsy results had not been released yet by the club until late Wednesday. But the club did come out with the statement immediately saying that he did not complain after playing his first match on Sunday in hot and muggy conditions, following up with the below yesterday:

“El Jaish Sports Club’s board of directors have announced that the club will bear all expenses of transferring the body from Doha by private aircraft. The family and wife of Benitez will also be transferred to attend the funeral ceremony. Additionally, the club will also pay expenses for the Ecuadorian national team doctor who is currently present at Doha.”

This unfortunate incident places additional pressure on the country that is to host the World Cup in 2022. The existing summer conditions in the region have prompted calls to move the tournament during the winters keeping in mind the safety of the fans and the players involved.

Now, we wait and see how Qatar and the rest of football communities respond.