Qatar would host 2022 cup any period

Qatar said on Wednesday it was ready to host the 2022 football World Cup in the summer, or another time, ahead of a FIFA meeting to discuss the date of the tournament. "We bid for the FIFA World Cup in the summer because we saw the opportunity to present solutions for players and fans in our country, and others with similar climates, to enjoy the outdoors in cool, safe and comfortable conditions in the summer months," said the Qatar 2022 Supreme Committee in a statement.   "We committed significant time and resources toward proving that we could host the tournament in summer in cool, comfortable and safe conditions. "If the international football community reaches a consensus to move the event to an alternate date, we are able to accommodate that change. This would not affect our planning and preparation," it added. The FIFA Executive Committee is expected to discuss the dates for the 2022 tournament in a meeting in Zurich, Switzerland. Qatar was awarded the right to host the 2022 tournament in 2010, but FIFA, UEFA and footballers' union FIFPro have since called for it to be moved to a different time of year. However, proposals to change the date of the tournament have met with opposition from leading European clubs, who are concerned about disruption to their traditional calendars. Source: AFP