FIFA president Sepp Blatter said he expects the 2022 World Cup in Qatar will be held in winter to avoid the blistering heat in the desert nation.
Blatter, attending the Asian Cup in Qatar, said on Friday he felt the tournament should be moved to a cooler time of the year to protect the health of the players. A similar move was initiated for this year’s Asian Cup, which normally is held in the summer.
Qatar was awarded the 2022 World Cup in December despite fears that temperatures exceeding 40 Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) poses a serious health risk to players and fans. Soon after it won the bid, several top footballers endorsed the move, though Europe’s big clubs remain opposed to it.
