Blatter: Qatar World Cup set for summer

FIFA president Sepp Blatter has indicated the 2022 World Cup in Qatar will take place in the summer, despite previously suggesting it could be held in winter.

With temperatures in June and July stifling in the Gulf, Blatter said last month: “I expect it will be held in winter.”

However, he has now told the BBC “the matter is on ice” and “everything is settled now for summer”.

“I am not in favour of one or the other,” Blatter said. “What I did say, winter is not only January or February.

“I think for the time being the matter is on ice.”

Blatter revealed a delegation from Qatar indicated the tournament would be held in summer.

He added: “Everything is settled now for summer and all the 64 matches will be played in the territory of Qatar.”