Controversy never seems to cease swirling around Qatar as they prepare to host the World Cup in 2022. Over the summer working conditions in Qatar were likened to slave labor, as the intense heat was causing great suffering among the swaths of migrant workers building stadiums; in some cases these laborers were literally dying of heat.
In addition to the human rights concerns this raised, there was also talk that summer is a poor time to host the World Cup purely from a fan-enjoyment standpoint, as well as quality of play. FIFA seems to recognize this, but insists no decisions will be made until after the 2014 World Cup is completed.
"The dates for the World Cup [in Qatar] will not be June-July. To be honest, I think it will be held between November 15 and January 15 at the latest," secretary general Jerome Valcke said.
"If you play between November 15 and the end of December that's the time when the weather conditions are best, when you can play in temperatures equivalent to a warm spring season in Europe, averaging 25 degrees. That would be perfect for playing football.''
FIFA vice president Jim Boyce responded strongly to Valcke's assertions, saying he was "shocked" that he'd voiced that opinion. FIFA then released a statement that read, "Secretary general Jerome Valcke explained today in the Radio France interview -- as he had already mentioned previously -- that in his view the 2022 FIFA World Cup must take place in winter and the best possible time frame would be 15 November to 15 January.
"However, the precise event date is still subject to an ongoing consultation process which involves all main event stakeholders, including both the international football community (FIFA, confederations, member associations, leagues, clubs, players) as well as FIFA's commercial partners (commercial affiliates and media rights licensees).
"As the event will not be played until eight years' time the consultation process will not be rushed and will be given the necessary time to consider all of the elements relevant for a decision. Consequently, no decision will be taken before the upcoming 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil as agreed by the FIFA Executive Committee."
In Qatar summers, the temperatures are known to soar over 100 degrees.
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