FIFA have confirmed that they are considering moving the 2022 World Cup in Qatar to a winter schedule.
The game’s governing body have released an update on the latest meeting held by the FIFA Executive Committee task force put in place to organise the 2018-2024 international match calendar.
Falling in this period is the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, which for the expected summer temperatures, has been a point of contention and debate over moving it to the winter.
FIFA have confirmed that they are considering moving the 2022 World Cup in Qatar to a winter schedule.
The game’s governing body have released an update on the latest meeting held by the FIFA Executive Committee task force put in place to organise the 2018-2024 international match calendar.
Falling in this period is the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, which for the expected summer temperatures, has been a point of contention and debate over moving it to the winter.
FIFA have confirmed now that January/February 2022 or November/December 2022 proposals have been put forward as alternatives to the currently planned June/July 2022 format.
“Today, representatives were given the platform to provide detailed reports on how these proposed dates might impact their relevant competitions, activities and/or stakeholders,” FIFA’s statement explains.
“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.
“Professor Jiří Dvořák, FIFA Chief Medical Officer, provided a report on the medical concerns related to player safety and fan safety if the FIFA World Cup™ were to be held between May and September. FIFA Secretary General Jérôme 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.
“Meanwhile, Hassan Al Thawadi outlined that, for the Middle East, the ideal situation and circumstances for an all-inclusive World Cup would be for it to be held in the winter, but reiterated that the Local Organising Committee remained fully committed to delivering what was promised in its bid and organising the best possible event whatever is decided.”
FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke also commented on the meeting in the statement.
“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,” said Valcke.
“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’s task force will meet again early next year.