De Boer: Qatar can handle player heat concern

Former Holland international Ronald de Boer believes the soaring heat in Qatar during the 2022 World Cup will not affect players, only fans.

Qatar’s intense summer has been the subject of debate since the tiny Gulf nation was awarded the right to host football’s biggest tournament in December.

Concerns have been raised about player safety given temperatures can reach up to 50 degrees Celsius during the day, prompting FIFA boss Sepp Blatter and UEFA chief Michel Platini to consider shifting the tournament to January.

But Qatar World Cup bid ambassador De Boer – who finished his career in the country with Al-Shamal – believes players will not be affected by the heat due to air-conditioning technology installed in yet-to-be-built stadiums in Qatar, though he worries about the safety of supporters outside the arenas.

“Playing is not an issue because we have the technology already that will cool down the stadium inside, so for me the players there won’t be a problem,” De Boer said.

“The only worry for me is for the people. Football is for the fans, so I see a little issue there maybe, but football wise for the players they will have great conditions. I don’t see any problems with that.”

“If it was up to me I would say move it a month backwards because May is perfect, so you would have it from the beginning of May to the beginning of June.”

“That’s my opinion but who am I to say? Qatar has always bid to host it in the summer so we’re not deciding that it should be in the winter or some time else.”

De Boer also revealed he is to replace Dennis Bergkamp in leading Ajax’s youth team, fuelling speculation that the former Arsenal star is to become an assistant to Ronald’s twin brother, Frank.

Frank de Boer was appointed caretaker manager of Ajax following Martin Jol’s resignation in December.

“I will move back to Amsterdam in the summer, as I’m going to start coaching the youth team,” the younger De Boer said.

“I’m also doing my coaching badge and trying to get that and see how I like it.”

“My kids are getting older now; they are turning 18 and 15 so they want to be in Amsterdam so it’s time for me to go back.”

“But I want to make sure the link with Qatar is very strong. I’m going to be involved in the World Cup and let’s see how it goes.”