Qatar-based beIN Sports has appeared to pull its channels from UAE telecom provider du less than two weeks before the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, sparking concern for football fans in the emirates.

A statement on du‘s website read: “We are working with our partner to restore broadcasting beIN Sports channels.

“We understand the inconvenience caused by the sudden and unexpected loss of the service. There will be no charges for the period during which the channels are not available.

“We are currently assessing the situation and any decision on the matter of compensation will be communicated to our customers.”

beIN Sports is owned by beIN Media Group, a spinoff of the Al Jazeera group. Last year, after the diplomatic crisis between Qatar and a number of its MENA neighbours – including UAE, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain – all channels of Al Jazeera and beIN went off the air. However, beIN Sports returned in time for the start of the 2017-18 football season.

This latest development has worried football fans, many of whom have taken to social media to voice their concerns about missing the World Cup. As of now, the beIN Sports channels are still appearing on the Etisalat network in the UAE.

Du has told customers to watch beIN Sports channels online or subscribe to beIN CONNECT.

A statement from the company said: “Please note, we cannot comment on the quality and pricing of third-party products. The service is owned and managed by beIN. You may visit their website for further details.”