UEFA backs winter dates for Qatar WC over 'impossible' summer conditions

Chances of a winter World Cup in Qatar in 2022 progressed after European football chiefs agreed a summer event could not be played in Qatar.

According to the BBC, summer temperatures in the Gulf state can reach 50C, sparking health fears for players and fans alike.

FIFA vice-president Jim Boyce said that everyone was certainly in agreement that the World Cup could not be played in Qatar in the summer.

Boyce, a former president of the Irish Football Association, added that the debate was now whether the tournament would be played in January of 2022 or in November and December of that year, the report said.

UEFA favours January so that it does not impact on the Champions League, but British associations want to ensure their domestic festive fixtures are protected, the report added.

Some domestic leagues around the world are likely to be unhappy at Thursday's news, the report further said.

The English Premier League declined to comment, but has always opposed a switch and together with other European leagues, has called for there to be no definitive decision next month and a full consultative process, according to the report.