The question had been looming over FIFA for the past few years, how could Qatar host a summer World Cup with scorching temperatures normally reaching 40 degrees and higher? And yesterday, FIFA announced i ts unprecedented decision: The 2022 World Cup will be moved to winter, commencing on Nov. 21 and ending on Dec. 18.
“I can confirm the executive committee today, based on the proposal of the task force ... decided that, yes, we are going to play in November and December and, yes, the final is going to be played on Dec. 18,” said FIFA spokesman Walter de Gregorio, according to Al Arabiya .
Notably, this decision also means that the final game will now coincide with Qatar's National Day, which may work perfectly for Qatar but not so much for many of the global leagues, whose schedules will be affected. The debate around moving the international tournament has been particularly tense, due to the strain it will place on football leagues throughout the world.
Shifting the tournament to winter means re-arranging numerous other football games and tournament schedules around the world. For up to three years following the 2022 World Cup, the consequences of the shift could be seen in changes to football league schedules internationally. Africa's continental championship is now expected to change its dates as well, for example. Footballers all over the world are freaking out.
Additionally, the English Premier League normally plays many games during the winter, meaning a complete reshuffling of the usual schedule will be necessary. Much opposition to the change came from European leagues, which would need to disrupt their game schedules for up to seven weeks to accommodate the adjustment.
Previously, the European Clubs Association stated that if the change took place, they would demand compensation for being forced to alter their local game schedules. Still, not all European football leaders are opposed to the change.
“It is a good decision for players. I have always been a supporter of playing less in winter and more in summer,” said Noel Le Graet, president of the French Football Federation, according to The National . He explained that he has been a long proponent of this kind of adjustment.
The December 2010 decision to have Qatar host the 2022 World Cup has been heavily scrutinized over the last few years. Opponents have raised accusations that Qatar bribed FIFA officials. Qatar has also announced scale backs from the original construction plans presented to clinch the hosting position. Regardless, FIFA has remained resilient in moving forward with Qatar as the host for the 2022 event.