FIFA’s Jerome Valcke Rules Out Summer 2022 World Cup, Boyce ‘shocked’ by Claims

The 2022 World Cup in Qatar will not be held in the summer months of June-July, clearing the way for the prestigious tournament to be played during the winter, according to FIFA general secretary Jerome Valcke.

The placement of the tournament has garnered a lot of attention and debate ever since it was controversially awarded to Qatar in December 2010, especially over fears that the summer heat in the Gulf emirate would be dangerous for players and fans alike.

“The dates for the World Cup (in Qatar) will not be June-July,” Valcke, the second most powerful man in international football’s governing body, told Radio France.

“To be honest, I think it will be held between November 15 and January 15 at the latest.

“If you play between November 15 and the end of December that’s the time when the weather conditions are best, when you can play in temperatures equivalent to a warm spring season in Europe, averaging 25 degrees.

“That would be perfect for playing football.”

FIFA suggested in October thay would delay making an official decision on whether to play the tournament in the winter saying it was setting up a consultation process to decide when the finals should be held.

At the time, soccer’s world governing body announced it would reach a conclusion sometime after this year’s World Cup in Brazil.

Boyce ‘shocked’ by Valcke’s Comments

Valcke’s sudden reveal has surprised FIFA vice-president Jim Boyce who told Sky Sports News: “I’m totally, completely shocked to be honest. The situation as I am aware was that the FIFA executive committee would be awaiting a report set up by all the stakeholders involved in the World Cup.

“They would be meeting between now and the World Cup being held in Brazil next summer and reporting back to the executive meeting and there would no further discussions on Qatar 2022 until another executive meeting in December 2014.

“Whether Jerome was making a personal opinion or not I just don’t know but I can honestly confirm that this has not been discussed at the executive committee of FIFA.

“I feel that it is most important that all the stakeholders meet first before reporting back to the executive committee. So I’m very surprised about what has happened this morning.”

Qatar 2022 organisers said they would be ready to host the World Cup whatever decision was taken.

A statement read: “During the Fifa executive committee meeting in October it was agreed that Fifa would enter a period of consultation on the ideal time of year to host the World Cup in Qatar – with a recommendation expected after the World Cup in Brazil.

“We await the outcome of this consultation period. We will be ready to host the World Cup regardless of the outcome.”

The average temperature in the summer months in Qatar can be around 35C (95 Fahrenheit) and 45C (113F).

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