Earlier this month, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain were among countries to sever diplomatic ties with the nation, claiming Qatar was supporting terrorism, accusations which they denied.

It saw them initiate a blockade, cutting air, land and sea links with Qatar, plunging the region into disarray.

Saudi, Emirati and Bahraini families have been forced to leave the country as a result of the move following a two-week grace period.

The decision has prompted speculation as to how it will affect major sporting events in the nation, such as the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

The move, which also saw Egypt, Yemen, Libya and The Maldives swiftly suit in severing diplomatic ties with Qatar, cast doubt on claims that holding the tournament there would unite the region.

"ANOC today expressed its hope that the international sports movement in Qatar would not be endangered by the geopolitical situation in the Gulf region," ANOC said in a statement entitled: "Sport must be separate from politics."

"ANOC sincerely hopes that the geopolitical situation regarding Qatar will be resolved soon and that it won't impact on the incredible value that Qatar brings to the sports world. 

"Sport must be separate from politics in this Gulf issue. 

"The development of sport is very important to the people of the region. 

"ANOC will continue to work with the National Olympic Committees (NOCs) in the region and support them in their mission to develop sport and promote the Olympic Values."

Other sporting competitions due to be staged in Qatar in the coming years include the 2019 World Athletics Championships and the 2023 International Swimming Federation World Championships.

ANOC held their General Assembly in Qatar in November last year.

"The Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) and the neighbouring NOCs in the Gulf region are valuable partners to the world’s Olympic Movement and have significantly developed sports in their countries in recent years," the statement added.

"Sport has also played a key role in opening up the region to the world. 

"Last year, the QOC brought together the world’s NOCs in Doha and hosted a fantastic ANOC General Assembly and ANOC Awards. 

"Under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, Qatar has shown itself to be a very willing and capable host of international sports events and will bring the world back to the region when it hosts the 2019 IAAF World Championships, the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the 2023 FINA World Championships and other international sports events."