Qatar ready to host World Cup in all seasons

Qatar will host a successful 2022 World Cup whenever it is held -- in winter or summer, said a top official at the Doha Goals Forum.

Hassan Al-Thawadi, secretary general of the Qatar 2022 Supreme Committee, said: "From the beginning, we've always said we can stage the World Cup in summer."

"The cooling system for the stadia will be very much part of our legacy. But if the football world or FIFA wants it to be staged in the winter then we are happy and ready. If they want it in summer, then we are still ready."

Al-Thawadi said he and his team were also more than prepared to rebuff any allegations of impropriety in their winning FIFA World Cup bid.

"We have always complied with FIFA regulations and these allegations have absolutely no basis," he added. "Our bid team had to build credibility, showcase Qatar and deliver the messages. We worked very hard and were at every major event in the build-up to winning the right to host the tournament.

"Why did we win it? Without wanting to sound arrogant, it was because we had the best bid in terms of messages. We offered a compact World Cup with no long distance travel involved; we offered the perfect geographic location that allows three billion prime time TV viewers; and we offered a concept of modular stadia," he said.

Al-Thawadi also underlined how the 2022 World Cup was a boost not only for Qatar but also for the entire Middle East.

"There are so many misconceptions about the Middle East and the World Cup will go a long way to showing the world the friendliness, hospitality and sense of humour of the Middle East. It is a great opportunity for us all to come together.

"All tournaments have a legacy. The chance to show the world who we are and what we are - that will be our ultimate legacy."