Published: 15 August, 2013
by TONY DALLAS

Tony Dallas talks sport… and with more than 20 years working as a sports development officer he knows what he’s on about

TO me it’s evident that in 2010 UEFA didn’t really think through the implications of awarding the 2022 World Cup to Qatar.

Everyone loves the sun but it does not make sense that this great spectacle may be played in 50 degrees of searing heat.

It’s difficult to think how supporters would be comfortable in that climate, let alone players having to run around in it.

Qatar is a Muslim country so in public you have to be respectful around what you wear; women have to cover their shoulders and legs while men are encouraged not to wear anything that reveals too much of their bodies.

Even the promise of a cold beer is out of the question because bars and clubs are only allowed in the hotels, for everywhere else it’s against the law to drink.

It’s also against the law to be homosexual and when Fifa president Sepp Blatter was asked about gay fans and players hoping to attend in 2022 he said: “I’d say they should refrain from any sexual activity!”

I say you may not think these laws are fair or right but anybody travelling to Qatar would be guests in their country, therefore should respect local culture and laws.

And that’s why I wonder why the decision to hold it in a country that has so many non-negotiables was made?

There are many theories. However now it’s been awarded we have to make the best of it and I, like many others, believe the 2022 World Cup should be played in the winter.

Many European leagues have opposed the idea of having to alter their schedules to accommodate such a move and quite frankly I don’t understand why.

Yes, there will be some issues around contracts for TV deals and players wages. It might even affect transfer deadlines, but come on, the event is nine years away! Surely something can be sorted by then?

I also believe that a winter World Cup might be England’s best chance of ever winning it! Just think, we’ll be playing at the peak of our powers and won’t be able to use that old chestnut of a long season leaving our players “burnt out”.

According to reports, as it stands Qatar plans to spend £65billion on air-conditioned stadiums and other top notch facilities.

Let’s have it in the winter instead and spend that money on something that gives the world a little bit more than just air conditioning!

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