Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says hosting the 2022 World Cup in November and December is the right thing to do, if the tournament is to be held in Qatar.
FIFA's Executive Committee will vote next month on the proposal to move the event from the summer, following a recommendation this morning by an appointed task force that the finals be held in the autumn/winter months.
Wenger says it was always likely once Qatar was chosen as the host nation.
"I regret it took them so much time to realise that," said the Frenchman. "It's impossible to play in the summer, and it makes sense if you want people to survive the games, it's the only way to do it."
75% of players who participated in the last World Cup were from European clubs. A Nov/Dec Qatar tournament will cause ridiculous disruption.
— Jim Beglin (@jimbeglin) February 24, 2015
Former Manchester united goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel says the climate in Qatar should disqualify the Middle Eastern country from hosting the event.
"Because of what the weather is in the summer and all that, unfortunately it should disqualify them," said the Dane.
"Because I think it is just going to cause havoc all across football that year."
Thanks heavens that Qatar are now holding their World Cup in the winter, when gay people are all hibernating. That's that problem solved.
— Dara Ó Briain (@daraobriain) February 24, 2015
Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore says he's "very disappointed" with the recommendation and insisted it's the "wrong decision", with most leagues and clubs in Europe preferring a May tournament.
FIFA vice-president Jim Boyce says he'll do all he can to prevent the 2022 World Cup final being held the day before Christmas Eve.
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