In 2022, could we be watching the World Cup in November? With FIFA meeting last week to discuss options for the 2022 World Cup, the Associated Press is reporting that Qatar would prefer November for the tournament.
Qatar world Cup Supreme Committee secretary Hassan Al Thawadi made two things clear in an interview with Rob Harris. FIFA hasn't threatened to take the 2022 World Cup away from Qatar and the tournament will not be played in the traditional June/July window.
'The question of actually hosting it in the summer was not on the table,' Al Thawadi told Harris. 'Amongst all those different recommendations that we were provided, I expressed my preference that the winter is the ideal time.'
In a wide-ranging interview, Al Thawadi also spoke about how Qatar is preparing for the World Cup. their bid required more than any in FIFA history, with Qatar constructing a new city along with the required stadiums. That has led to a focus on worker rights in Qatar, with several exposes highlighting the treatment of guest workers.
'We understand this problem,' Al Thawadi said. 'For us, it's a human question. Qataris aren't 'vicious people who are like vampires'. We have emotions, we feel bad.'
FIFA has yet to officially address moving the 2022 World Cup, but UEFA and FIFPro did comment following last week's meeting. Both organizations supported a move away from June/July citing the safety of the players. The weather has been at issue since FIFA awarded Qatar the rights to host the World Cup. Originally, air conditioning outdoor stadiums and other technical solutions were offered. That seems to be off the table at this point, with the likeliest outcome a November 2022 World Cup.
Title : Associated Press: Qatar prefers November for 2022 World Cup
Description : In 2022, could we be watching the World Cup in November? With FIFA meeting last week to discuss options for the 2022 World Cup, the Associ...