2022 FIFA World Cup likely to be held in winter, says AFC boss

Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa believes the 2022 FIFA World Cup is likely to be held in winter

Melbourne, Jan 25 (IANS) Asian Football Confederation (AFC) president Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa on Sunday said the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar looks increasingly likely to be played in the winter.

FIFA is contemplating a winter tournament in November and December to avoid unbearable heat of a Qatar summer when average temperatures can soar to nearly 50 degrees Celsius, reports Xinhua.

"The period best suited for hosting the 2022 World Cup in Qatar will be in November and December because for sure it needs to be played in the winter," Shaikh said.

International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach hoped that the World Cup will not overlap with the Winter Olympic Games.

The timing of the World Cup has been difficult since Qatar got the hosting rights in 2010.