Platini repeats winter World Cup call

UEFA president Michel Platini has repeated his wish to see the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar played in winter to avoid searing heat.

The event is slated for June and July 2022 at air-conditioned venues, with temperatures in the Gulf state capable of nudging 50 degrees Celsius during that period.

Platini believes the tournament should be held in November and December, despite organisers insisting cooling technologies will see temperatures at training centres and stadiums drop to 27 degrees Celsius.

Platini joined Franz Beckenbauer in supporting the switch when Qatar’s bid won hosting rights for the event in December.

Speaking at UEFA’s executive committee meeting in Cyprus on Thursday, Platini said: “It’s great that the grounds will be air-conditioned but I think that this sporting occasion is the most important in the world.”

“The best period is to play in the winter and in November-December 2022, because in January 2022 there will be the Winter Olympics.”