Blatter Hints at Qatar 2022 Winter World Cup, FIFA Security Chief Wary of Match-Fixing in Brazil

Sepp Blatter has added further fuel to the ongoing argument surrounding the timing of the Qatar 2022 World Cup by suggesting they should find a solution in winter.

FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke sent the media into a frenzy last week after telling a French radio station the tournament would likely be held in November, December or January of 2022, rather than June and July, due to the intense heat in the country.

Football’s governing body immediately distanced itself from Valcke’s comments claiming “no decision on any dates had been taken” and that the Frenchman was “merely stating a personal view”.

FIFA president Blatter reiterated that any official decision would be left until the end of 2014 but told Sky Sports News: “In 2015 we will make a decision whether yes or no we play in summer or winter but the tendency is definitely it is too hot in summer so let’s find a solution to play in winter.”

Match-Fixing Threat at Brazil 

FIFA security chief Ralf Mutschke has told German paper Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung that criminals will attempt to fix games at the 2014 World Cup.

Mutschke, a former Interpol director and senior manager at the German Federal Criminal Police Office, said efforts to fix matches at the tournament in Brazil had to be expected.

“We must clearly assume that organised crime will try and fix matches at the World Cup,” he said. “At this event, bets will be placed at a great rate and a large profit will be made.”

But Mutschke said every possible measure to prevent such fixing would be put in place, adding: “We will have security officers in all 12 World Cup stadiums.

“We will monitor all matches on the betting market, we will be in contact with all bookmakers, screen the social networks and the relevant boards for hints. We will analyse individual plays during games.”