FIFA are set to confirm the 2022 World Cup final in Qatar will be played on Sunday 18th December, approved by an executive committee.
A taskforce from the football governing body recommended last month that the tournament should be altered from summer to winter as a result of the extreme weather conditions, and the date for the final of the ‘greatest competition in the world’ has reportedly been decided.
The news could upset many English football fans, who will see a severe disruption to the schedule of league and cup competitions across the country. While many European countries will not be disrupted due to their ‘winter breaks’, the Premier League is expected to be greatly affected by the change.
Nevertheless, the traditional Boxing Day fixtures are still expected to be take place, and could make the return of the domestic campaign after the competition, which takes place every four years.
The nation’s initial bid specified that games would be played in air-conditioned stadiums to combat the issues of heat and health and safety, although the issue of player and fan welfare was repeatedly raised – leading to the decision of a winter World Cup.
Previous reports suggested the final could take place on 23rd December, but is believed to have been altered due to its close proximity to the festive period.
The tournament is now expected to start on 18th November 2022, and could cause severe disruption to league and cup campaigns for numerous clubs in England and around the world. It is expected drastic changes will be made to the organisation and set-up of the Premier League to counter the changes.
Controversy has surrounded the decision to hand Qatar the World Cup ever since the first announcement, with the number of deaths for workers shocking many – expected to be as many as 200. Should the figures be correct, a worker would be dying on average once every two days in preparation for the tournament.
In another key decision, FIFA have handed France the decision to host the 2019 Women’s World Cup, ahead of South Korea as previously expected. Final confirmation from FIFA is expected tomorrow regarding the 2022 final.