The Arab Games, which are due to begin on December 9 and last two weeks, is the next major sporting event being trumpeted by Qatar, but it looks set to lose one of its 22 competing nations.

Syria's state news agency reported in Beirut today that the nation will boycott the Doha event in protest at being suspended by the Arab League.

The agency quoted a statement from the Syrian Olympic Committee and General Sports Federation describing the Arab League decision on Saturday (November 12) s a "dark spot in its history".

But 24 hours earlier, Qatari officials said the Syrians would be welcome since sport and politics did not mix.

"We never mix up politics with sport, so they are most welcome to come to Doha," said a spokesman for the organisers of the 2011 Arab Games.

"We have confirmation in writing."

Some 6,000 athletes are expected at the multisport event that is being heavily promoted during the Aspire4Sport conference taking place here, with banners and billboards across the city.

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