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World Cup 2022: Fifa put forward two most likely dates for Qatar tournament - with both in winter

The country is exceedingly hot in the summer

Martyn Ziegler
Monday 03 November 2014 17:12 GMT
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The moment when Qatar was awarded the 2022 World Cup, in December 2010
The moment when Qatar was awarded the 2022 World Cup, in December 2010

FIFA has announced that two options have emerged as the most likely dates for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar - and both are in the winter.

A meeting of a task force to look into the international calendar has identified January/February 2022 or November/December 2022 as the most likely options - meaning considerable disruption to the normal football season.

FIFA has been asked to consider May 2022 by the clubs however, despite concerns over the heat during that month.

FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke said in a statement on Monday: "We are getting closer to narrowing the dates for the FIFA World Cup to two options - January/February 2022 or November/December 2022 - but FIFA has also been asked to consider May 2022.

"We will summarise what we've heard today and provide feedback to all parties in order for them to prepare for the next meeting as we progress towards a final decision."

FIFA added that Qatar 2022 chief executive Hassan Al Thawadi had stated that the "ideal situation" for the Middle East "for an all-inclusive World Cup would be for it to be held in the winter" although it was still open to the traditional June/July dates.

UEFA has argued strongly to hold the tournament in January/February 2022 - those dates would minimise disruption to the Champions League - but that would also raise the prospect of a clash with the winter Olympics, something FIFA president Sepp Blatter has guaranteed will be avoided.

The November/December option still looks the most likely outcome but FIFA confirmed the European Clubs Association (ECA) put forward a proposal to hold the World Cup in April/May 2022 while the European Professional Football Leagues (EPFL) - including Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore - suggested May/June 2022 as an alternative.

The FIFA statement added: "Representatives were given the platform to provide detailed reports on how these proposed dates might impact their relevant competitions, activities and/or stakeholders.

"Additionally, presentations suggesting April/May 2022 and May/June 2022 as alternative periods for the FIFA World Cup were given by the ECA and the EPFL respectively."

The clubs' and leagues' proposals may well founder on the fact that the build-up would clash with the month-long period of Ramadan.

The FIFA statement said: "Valcke also highlighted the fact that the month-long period of Ramadan would begin on 2 April in 2022, which would have an impact on a number of players in their preparations for any April/May option and with regard to the preparation of the event itself."

PA

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