Qatar World Cup in 2022 set to be staged in winter, says FIFA official Jerome Valcke

The 2022 World Cup in Qatar looks increasingly likely to be held in winter, despite concerns over disruption to domestic leagues.

A meeting of a task force to look into the international calendar has identified either January and February or November and December 2022 as the most likely options.

FIFA has been asked to consider May 2022 by the clubs as a further alternative, despite concerns over how heat during that month could affect players and supporters.

Consider

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"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,” FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke said in a statement.

"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 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 remained open to the traditional June/July dates.

We are getting closer to narrowing the dates for the FIFA World Cup to two options - January/February 2022 or November/December 2022.

UEFA is keen for the tournament to be held in January/February 2022, dates would minimise disruption to the Champions League.

That option would also raise the prospect of a clash with the winter Olympics though, something FIFA president Sepp Blatter has guaranteed will be avoided.

Proposal

The November/December option therefore remains 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.

Meanwhile, the European Professional Football Leagues (EPFL) - including Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore – has 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."