More support for winter World Cup

Asian Football Confederation (AFC) general secretary Peter Velappan has recommended that the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar be played in winter.

FIFA traditionally schedule the World Cup in June and July, but given Qatar’s temperatures soar past 40 degrees Celsius mid-year, Velappan has suggested the governing body move the event to the start of 2022.

“Qatar is a nice country … but there is no way football can be played in June and July there. No player will ever want to play in these conditions,” Velappan said.

“I would strongly recommend that FIFA reschedule the tournament to January, February. FIFA is obliged to do everything possible to provide the best for the teams and the football fans.”

Velappan’s comments echo those of outgoing FIFA executive Franz Beckenbauer, who has also backed a January-February event.

However, AFC president Mohamed Bin Hammam has a different opinion on the issue, stating that heat will not be a problem when air-conditioned stadiums are built.