Ex-Asian official urges Fifa to change 2022 Cup timing
Baku, December 9 (AZERTAC). The Asian Football Confederation`s former general secretary has urged Fifa to change the timing of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar to avoid the summer heat.
Peter Velappan said temperatures reaching 40C during the desert state`s summer months pose a danger to players.
Velappan added that plans to cool stadiums and training grounds with air conditioners were "not a solution".
He also warned that some European countries might boycott the tournament due to concerns over the heat.
"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," said Velappan.
"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 echoed those made by Fifa executive committee member Franz Beckenbauer, who earlier this month suggested making a one-time change to the European league schedules to allow the 2022 World Cup to be played in winter.
However, throughout Qatar`s bid for the World Cup, AFC president Mohamed Bin Hammam - a native of the desert state - downplayed the hot temperatures.
In addition, public relations expert Mike Lee, who played a significant role in Qatar`s victorious 2022 bid, said that rescheduling the tournament was never a part of their proposal.
Lee praised the work being done in Qatar to provide the appropriate facilities for the tournament.
FA general secretary Alex Horne believed that it would be possible to stage the 2022 World Cup in January.
Qatar obtained an outright majority of 14 in the fourth round of voting for 2022 after a secret ballot of Fifa`s 22 executive members in Zurich on 2 December.
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