Winter Cup stirs controversy

AN announcement from international soccer governing body Fifa secretary-general Jerome Valcke that the 2022 World Cup in Qatar would not be played mid-year created yet more controversy yesterday.

It led to a shocked response from Fifa vice-president Jim Boyce, who said that only the world governing body’s executive could decide when the cup would be played.

In a later statement, Fifa backtracked on Valcke’s comments, which came in an interview with radio station France Inter. Valcke said: “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 at the latest.

“If you play between November 15 and, let’s say, the end of December, it’s the time when the weather is the most favourable.

“You play with a temperature equivalent to that of a rather hot spring in Europe, you play with a temperature of 25°C which is perfect to play football,” he added.

The average temperature in the summer months in Qatar can be between 35°C and 45°C.

In its subsequent statement, Fifa said Valcke had been giving his view that the 2022 event take place in the northern hemisphere winter.

“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 World Cup Brazil.”

Experts say that although it would not be a surprise if the finals were held in the northern winter, it would disrupt global soccer and affect other sports. – Reuters