Paul Kennedy of Soccer America reports how air-conditioning all or part of Qatar for the 2022 World Cup may not be necessary as FIFA seems to be seriously considering the idea of playing the finals for the first time in winter.
"FIFA's job is to have a World Cup that protects the players so we take note of the recommendations and go through the list of requirements," FIFA President Sepp Blatter told journalists in Qatar in his first visit since the tiny Gulf nation was awarded the World Cup this month. "We will look into this and make the right decision."
Holding the World Cup in winter would involve a change in the international calendar for qualifying and for league play, requiring significant support from leagues around the world.
With temperatures averaging 107 degrees in Doha in the summer, Qatar 2022 proposed air-conditioning stadiums, as well as training venues and fan zones.
It is illegal to work outdoors midday in the summer in Qatar. Many expatriates, who dominate the work force, send their families abroad during the summer.
FIFA executive committee members Franz Beckenbauer and Michel Platini, the UEFA president, both have suggested the idea of moving the tournament dates.
Blatter has also floated the idea of having other Gulf states host games in 2022 but FIFA has reiterated that the support for the idea would have to come from the Qataris themselves.
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