The 2022 World Cup in Qatar must switch to winter, according to Fifa’s own medical chief. Michel D’Hooghe, the chairman of the Fifa’s medical committee, will advise that the risks posed to supporters by extreme heat are too great.President Sepp Blatter already supports a move away from the traditional summer staging, when temperatures can reach as high as 50C in Qatar.
“The World Cup is about more than games and players,” said D’Hooghe. “I am sure the Qataris have the technical skill to organise a tournament where teams could play and train in a stable, acceptable temperature.
“But it’s about the fans. They will need to travel from venue to venue and I think it’s not a good idea for them to do that in temperatures of 47C or more.”