Blatter in favour of winter World Cup

FIFA president Sepp Blatter has thrown his support behind a plan to stage the 2022 World Cup in the northern winter to combat Qatar’s intense heat.

Qatar’s winning bid made mention of the fact it would build air-conditioned stadiums to host matches, but some believe moving the event from its traditional mid-year schedule to the beginning of the year would be safer for players and spectators.

FIFA executive committee member and German legend Franz Beckenbauer is one who has spoken in support of the move, as is FIFA general secretary Jerome Valcke.

Now it appears Blatter is also in favour of the idea, but he sounded a note of caution about the logistics of staging the event in the northern winter, when European football leagues are in full flight.

“The basic principle signed is about 64 matches in Qatar in the months of June and July, that’s what we have at the moment,” Blatter said.

“It is important to play when the climate is appropriate and I’m thinking about the footballers, not only the fans.”

“Personally I think it would be better that it is played in the winter – but it’s not easy to realise.”

Blatter, 74, also apologised for remarks he made this week about gay football fans having to ‘refrain from sexual activity’ should they visit Qatar for the 2022 tournament.

Homosexuality is against the law in Qatar, and Blatter’s comments triggered angry responses from gay rights activists.

“It was not my intention and never will be my intention to go into any discrimination,” he said.

“If somebody feels hurt, then I regret and present apologies.”