FIFA In Turmoil Over World Cup Switch!

FIFA has been forced into an embarrassing u-turn after secretary general Jerome Valcke told French radio the 2022 World Cup would be moved to winter.

FIFA have been forced to deny they have already decided against a summer World Cup in Qatar [AFP]

The governing body confirmed a move to a European winter is still being considered, but insisted that no decision will be made until after this summer's World Cup in Brazil.

A switch to cooler months has been speculated ever since the tournament was awarded to Qatar in 2010, with much debate centering on whether the tournament could take place in June and July with temperatures in the country soaring to as high as 40 degrees.

In an interview with a French radio station Valcke appeared to suggest a decision had already been taken over when to stage the 2022 tournament.

He told France Inter Radio: "The dates of the World Cup will not be in June or July. I think it will be played between November 15 and January 15 the latest.

"If you play between 15 November 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."

However his comments were swiftly rebuffed by FIFA, who confirmed that no decision has yet been taken over when the Qatar World Cup will take place.

Sepp Blatter's organisation controversially awarded host status to Qatar in 2010 [AP]

They said in a statement: "Secretary General Jerome Valcke explained today in the Radio France interview - as he had already mentioned previously - that in his view the 2022 FIFA World Cup must take place in winter and the best possible time frame would be 15 November to 15 January.

"However, the precise event date is still subject to an ongoing consultation process which involves all main event stakeholders, including both the international football community (FIFA, confederations, member associations, leagues, clubs, players) as well as FIFA's commercial partners (commercial affiliates and media rights licensees).

"As the event will not be played until eight years' time the consultation process will not be rushed and will be given the necessary time to consider all of the elements relevant for a decision.

"Consequently, no decision will be taken before the upcoming 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil as agreed by the FIFA executive committee."

A Daily Star Report.