IOC backs November/December WC in Qatar

Rio de Janeiro, March 1: The Intertiol Olympic Committee (IOC) has expressed support in moving the 2022 football World Cup in Qatar to November and December, avoiding any clash with that year's Winter Olympic Games.

A FIFA taskforce recommended playing the 2022 World Cup in winter instead of summer to avoid temperatures of up to 40 degrees Celsius in Qatar, reports Xinhua.

IOC president Bach said Saturday that the decision was logical.

"It is a logical decision in the interest of the World Cup and the Olympic Games," said Bach, adding it would not make sense to have a World Cup in January-February as that would cause a potential clash.

"It would result in a no-win situation as both events could lose attention from fans and broadcasters alike," Bach said.

Moving the tourment to November and December will affect the league matches of European clubs, and some powerful European clubs are asking for compensation from FIFA.

The fil decision about the exact date of 2022 will be made by FIFA on March 19/20. IANS