Storm clouds clear as Qatar invent novel new sunblock

QATAR have come up with a unique solution to the searing heat ahead of the 2022 World Cup — artificial clouds.

The soaring temperatures in the Middle Eastern country during the summer months has led to suggestions that the tournament should be played in the winter.

That plan has been rejected by FIFA president Sepp Blatter and the host nation have now come up with a scheme to provide shade for stadiums and training grounds.

Qatar say they will air condition the stadia via solar power and now scientists at Qatar University have designed the ‘cloud’ which can be produced at a cost of $500,000 each.

Saud Abdul Ghani, head of the mechanical and industrial engineering department, told Gulf News the ‘clouds’ are made from a lightweight carbon structure.

Each structure carries a giant envelope of material containing helium gas and four solar powered engines will move the ‘cloud’ via remote control.

President of the Asian Football Confederation, Qatar’s Mohammed Bin Hammam, who will stand against Blatter for the FIFA presidency in June, said his country is “well equipped to challenge the summer heat”.

Meanwhile Everton defender Phil Jagielka has admitted his England call-ups have brought a ray of sunshine to an otherwise frustrating season.

Jagielka is scrapping it out with Michael Dawson, Gary Cahill and Joleon Lescott for the right to partner John Terry in central defence when England tackle Wales at the Millennium Stadium tomorrow.

Jagielka has started every game he was fit for with his country this season, including the opening two Euro 2012 qualifiers against Bulgaria and Switzerland.

Such were the quality of his displays that question marks were raised over Terry’s international future.

However, the praise Jagielka has received masked what, for him in particular, has been a troubled time at Goodison Park.

That the 28-year-old has just signed a four-year contract extension proves he has no interest in moving elsewhere.

But a combination of niggling injuries and Everton’s inconsistent form has led Jagielka to conclude this has not been one of his better years.

“It has been a topsy-turvy season for the whole team at Everton and I would definitely put myself into that bracket as well,” he said.

“I am quite self-critical. I know when I have played well. I don’t need to pick up a paper to see what rating I have got and I have family and friends around to tell me if I need to start livening up and putting better performances in.

“I have picked up a few niggling injuries along the way, which has been frustrating.

“I certainly would have liked to play better over the course of the season at Everton but I have done quite well when I have played for England which is a bit strange.”