More Sports Athletics Athletics World Athletics Championships: Mayer slams 'disaster' in Doha The heat has proven a factor during the World Athletics Championship and Kevin Mayer criticised the decision to host the event in Doha. Russell Greaves 29 September, 2019 00:26 IST France's Kevin Mayer suggested it was only his "passion" for the sport that prevented him from boycotting the 2019 Athletics World Championships. - Getty Images Russell Greaves 29 September, 2019 00:26 IST Kevin Mayer has branded the World Athletics Championships in Doha "a disaster", citing the heat and a lack of fans.The world champion decathlete did not hold back as he criticised the decision to award the event to the Qatari capital. Frenchman Mayer suggested it was only his "passion" for competition that prevented him from boycotting. "We can all see it's a disaster, there is no-one in the stands, and the heat has not been adapted at all," he said. READ | Indian mixed relay team books Olympics berth, reaches final"There have already been nearly 30 withdrawals in the women's marathon. It's sad."We have to leave reason aside and more concentrate on the passion, because if not I would have boycotted these championships."We haven't really prioritised athletes when organising the championships here. It makes it difficult."The IAAF released a statement on Saturday insisting the local organising committee had "done everything possible to minimise the heat-related risks". Subscribe to our daily newsletter Get your daily dose of Sportstar with handpicked stories delivered right to your inbox! SUBSCRIBE Please enter a valid email address.