European soccer boss Michel Platini has reiterated his desire for the 2022 World Cup finals in Qatar to be held in the winter.
Although the stadiums in Qatar are expected to be air-conditioned, the crushing heat and humidity of a Gulf summer is expected to take its toll on players and fans.
However, the suggestion of a winter tournament has raised questions over whether Qatar should have been awarded the prestigious tournament in the first place.
UEFA president Platini is sticking to his guns and wants the competition moved to later in 2022, as anything in the new year would clash with the Winter Olympics.
"I don't change my ideas like I change my shirts, even if it's hot and I am sweating," he said on . "If you are going to go to Qatar in June-July, there's a good chance it'll be 55C (131F).
"It's great that the grounds will be air-conditioned but I think that this sporting occasion is the most important in the world."
