England Kicks Against 2022 World Cup In Qatar

The Premier League says it is opposed to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar being switched to winter, despite comments from chairman Sir Dave Richards.

There are concerns over the heat in Qatar in the summer and Richards seemed to back the tournament being moved.

But a Premier League spokesman said its “view remains unchanged”.

“We are opposed to a winter World Cup for obvious practical reasons that would impact on all European domestic football,” the spokesman added.

FIFA General Secretary, Jerome Valcke recently became the first senior official of the world football’s governing body to say the 2022 World Cup could be moved depending on medical advice.

UEFA president Michel Platini and world footballers’ union FIFPro have supported the tournament, which is traditionally played in June and July, taking place in winter on health grounds.

Temperatures in Qatar can reach 50C (122F) during the summer.

“At the moment it has a tremendous amount of implications for Europe. For us, at this minute, the answer is ‘no’,” Richards told Sky Sports News.

“But, if we take a proper view, we have to find a way to have a winter spell where we don’t play and I think common sense will prevail.

“I think over the next few years, things will change and they will come to a compromise.”

Britain’s Fifa vice-president Jim Boyce added: “People I know who live in Qatar say it would be very uncomfortable for the fans.

“There is also a medical and health concern for both players and spectators and if it is going to be safer to play it in January instead of July then I would be in favour of that.”