The 2022 World Cup in Qatar might have to be played in January because of soaring temperatures, admits Franz Beckenbauer.
There is already controversy over the choice for the tournament, but on top of organisational difficulties, there are the weather conditions in a desert state.
"One should think about a different solution," member of the FIFA executive committee Beckenbauer told German newspaper Bild.
The 2022 World Cup in Qatar might have to be played in January because of soaring temperatures, admits Franz Beckenbauer.
There is already controversy over the choice for the tournament, but on top of organisational difficulties, there are the weather conditions in a desert state.
"One should think about a different solution," member of the FIFA executive committee Beckenbauer told German newspaper Bild.
"In January or February you have a comfortable 25 degrees there. Plans for the biggest leagues would have to change for 2022, but that would not be a major undertaking.
"It would be an alternative to using climate control at great expense for stadiums and fanzones," added Beckenbauer.
Qatar announced plans to use climate control to keep the temperature on the pitch to 27 degrees Celsius, even if outside it would soar to 50.
It will be the first World Cup to be played in the Middle East.