DOHA THE EMIR His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al Thani will “ask the people” of his country on whether to hold the 2022 World Cup in winter to avoid the intense summer heat.
The statement on Wednesday by HH the Emir suggests there’s still an option to shift the tournament despite FIFA President Sepp Blatter saying earlier this month that it was fixed for summer.
“We will ask the people what they want,” HH the Emir said after talks with British Prime Minister David Cameron.
He did not elaborate on when or how he would seek their views.
Qatar was the surprise winner to host the 2022 tournament, beating out rival bids from the United States, Australia, Japan and South Korea in December.
Qatar’s proposal calls for air-conditioned stadiums and fan areas.
Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs HE Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jabor al Thani, however, said he knew little about the sport.
“I do not know the rules,” he said.
“I like sport, of course, but I am not involved in sport.”