Taipei’s diplomatic win over its World Cup name change has been short-lived, with the event’s organisers in Qatar altering Taiwan’s designation to “Chinese Taipei”, apparently bowing to pressure from Beijing, which claims sovereignty over the self-ruled island . Organisers originally listed the island as “Taiwan, Province of China” on a website for ticket holders to apply for a digital access card for the 2022 Fifa World Cup . The Taiwanese government later protested against the organisers’ use of that reference, saying it suggested Taiwan was a part of the Chinese mainland. Qatar 2022 changes Taiwan’s name yet again. Now it’s a geopolitical row Soon after the protest, the website began listing the island simply as “Taiwan”, complete with the Taiwanese flag, a move Taiwan’s foreign ministry described last Thursday as a “positive development”. But on Monday, the island’s name on the website had changed from “Taiwan” to “Chinese Taipei”, making what was originally a small victory for the island in its diplomatic tussle with Beijing a flash in the pan. On Tuesday, Tsui Ching-lin, deputy spokesman of the island’s foreign ministry, expressed “deep regret” over the World Cup organisers’ failure to resist “improper political intervention” and their decision to change the listing on the website without fully consulting the ministry. He also accused Beijing of ignoring international concerns and support for Taiwan over the issue and trying to create the false impression that Taiwan belonged to China. He said Beijing had repeatedly manipulated international sports events by putting pressure on organisers. Tsui said the island’s ministry would continue to discuss the issue with the organisers in Qatar to seek a remedy. In Beijing, mainland foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin called the most recent change a “right move”, saying it represented the Qatari government’s commitment to the one-China principle and its respect for established international practice. Beijing considers Taiwan a part of the mainland subject to eventual union, by force if necessary. It has warned other countries against having official contact with the island. Qatar recognises Beijing, rather than Taipei, in diplomatic matters. Beijing has repeatedly poached the island’s diplomatic allies, leaving it with just 14 that still maintain formal ties with Taipei. Taiwan, which is not a member of the United Nations, has not been able to use its official title “Republic of China” to attend global events. “Chinese Taipei” is one of several names Taiwan has used in international events, including the Olympics and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum.