ABU DHABI: FIFA President Sepp Blatter has said he would support moves to stage the 2022 World Cup in Qatar during the winter months, but warned that such an action would be difficult to implement. Fears that the searing heat that prevails in the Gulf emirate in the traditional World Cup months of June and July would make it dangerous for players and fans alike, quickly followed FIFA's decision to award the 2022 tournament to Qatar, German legend Franz Beckenbauer, a FIFA executive committee member, and FIFA general secretary Jerome Valcke are among those who have voiced support for a switch of dates. Blatter told a press conference in Abu Dhabi where the club World Cup is taking place that he too supported a winter World Cup. “It is important to play when the climate is appropriate and I'm thinking about the footballers, not only the fans but the actors,” he said. “Personally I think it would be better that it is played in the winter ... but it's not easy to realize.” Blatter, however, said he had no regrets over the vote earlier this month which saw Qatar defeat rival bids from United States, Australia, Japan and South Korea. “The basic principle signed is about 64 matches in Qatar in the months of June and July, that's what we have at the moment,” he said. “If Qatar wants a change, the demand must come from Qatar and send later to FIFA. All the countries (in the zone) are happy and proud for the Middle East and Gulf.” The change would have major implications for domestic competitions in Britain and the rest of Europe where the league programs would be in full swing. Blatter, who met with football officials in Oman, Bahrain and Kuwait as well as Qatar during a tour of the region this week, said “the item was on the agenda” when he met with Qatari officials but refused to say whether they support it. “I can say all these countries are very happy first of all the World Cup is going to the Middle East ... and they are interested, I would say a little bit more than interested, to be part of this competition,” Blatter said. “It is a wish. It is easy to say but it is not so easy to realize.” Blatter did not elaborate on which countries would want to host the games nor how many games could be hosted by Qatar's neighbors. “This demand has to come from the Qatar football organization by saying we would like to have such and such things and this has to go back to FIFA and the FIFA executive committee has to say open it or don't open it,” Blatter said. “For the time being, it's too early.” A spokesman for Qatar's 2022 World Cup bid could not be reached for comment. – Agence France
