FIFA agreeing to hold 2022 Qatar World Cup in winter?

FIFA Secretary General Jerome Valcke (right) with Fernanda Lima

FIFA Secretary General Jerome Valcke (right) with Fernanda Lima. Photograph: Clive Mason/Getty Images

FIFA has reportedly raised objections of holding the 2022 Qatar World Cup in the summer in light of health risks and speculations are that the tournament would be held in winter.

Despite calls by top European clubs and leagues, FIFA raised objections on Monday to holding the 2022 Qatar World Cup between May and September, with the body's medical chief highlighted the health risk of holding matches in summer, while FIFA's secretary general Jerome Valcke saying that there would be a clash with the Muslim fasting month.

After a meeting of a task force to decide the dates of the Qatar tournament, FIFA said that a tournament in November-December or January-February was favoured. No firm decision has yet been taken though, The BBC reported.

Valcke said that they are getting closer to narrowing the dates for the FIFA World Cup to two options either January-February 2022 or November-December 2022, but added that the world football governing body has also been asked to consider May 2022.

The European Clubs Association, which groups 214 top clubs including Real Madrid, Manchester United and Bayern Munich, proposed April-May at the meeting. The Association of European Professional Football Leagues (EPFL) gave a presentation on holding the matches in May-June.

The tournament is traditionally held in June and July and the decision to give the tournament to Qatar has faced intense criticism because of the searing summer temperatures in the Gulf State.

Valcke also highlighted the fact that the month-long period of Ramadan would begin on April 2 in 2022, which would have an impact on a number of players in their preparations for any April-May option and with regard to the preparation of the event itself.

Qatar organising committee chief Hassan Al Thawadi said that for the Middle East, the ideal situation and circumstances for an all-inclusive World Cup would be for it to be held in the winter.

But he added that Qatar remained fully committed to delivering what was promised in its bid and organising the best possible event whatever is decided.

UEFA has argued for a tournament in January-February 2022 to minimize disruption to the Champions League. But that could cause a clash with the Winter Olympics which FIFA leader Sepp Blatter has promised to avoid, the report added.