Qatar could hold the World Cup in winter

FIFA’s decision to hold the 2022 World Cup in Qatar has come under criticism on a number of grounds. For example there is not a large football following and in a nation governed by Sharia law, homosexuality is illegal.

One of the more practical concerns is the searing summer heat. Summer temperatures in Qatar can reach around 45 degrees, which has prompted talk of building air-conditioned venues, or playing matches at night to protect both fans and players.

Now FIFA Vice-President, Prince Ali bin Al Hussein has given the strongest indication yet that the tournament could be moved to later in the year. Speaking to German newspaper, Der Tagesspiegel, he said: “I think it’s better to play in winter. This way the weather would be better for the players and the fans. I don’t see why a World Cup in Winter in Qatar should be a big problem.”

Moving the tournament to the northern hemisphere’s winter will prove disruptive for the Premier League for example, which normally plays during this period.

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