DOHA, Qatar (AP) — Ethiopian athletes withdrew from the Doha Super Grand Prix meet Thursday because of political tension between the two countries.

Last month, Ethiopia broke off diplomatic relations with Qatar, saying the energy-rich Gulf state had become a source of instability in the Horn of Africa.

Seven Ethiopian athletes were on the starting list of Friday's meet, including indoor world champions Deresse Mekonnen in the 1,500 meters and Tariku Bekele in the 3,000.

"We had prepared everything for them: The visa, the tickets and everything," said Dahlan Al-Hamad, the president of the Qatar athletics federation. "Unfortunately politics got into sports."

Qatar officials denied the country is hurting Ethiopia's security.

Al-Hamad said the IAAF world athletics federation would investigate.