Geneva - FIFA president Sepp Blatter has admitted that it was 'a mistake' to choose Qatar to host the 2022 World Cup. Blatter said that the technical report into Qatar's bid had warned that it was too hot but despite that, FIFA's executive committee had voted for the Middle Eastern country.
However, despite his admission, the FIFA chief will not change the World Cup's destination, instead he will force through plans to run the 2022 tournament during the Qatari winter. The temperature in Qatar between May and September ranges between 30C and 50c with humidity of 90 percent.
The area also suffers sandstorms during the dry season. In December and January, Qatar can be hit by rain showers, although the temperature will drop to mid to the mid 20s. Protestors believe that Qatar's human rights record and stance against homosexuality should preclude it from hosting the tournament.
Speaking to Swiss television, Blatter claimed it was 'probable' that the tournament would be moved to the winter. In an interview with RTS he said: 'Yes, it was a mistake of course, but one makes lots of mistakes in life. 'The technical report into Qatar said clearly it was too hot but the executive committee - with a large majority - decided all the same to play it in Qatar.'
Blatter denied that Qatar had 'bought' the competition while acknowledging the bidder had spent a great deal of money on sponsorship and development programmes. He added: 'No, I have never said it was bought, but that it was due to political considerations.'
Later, a FIFA spokesman clarified Blatter's earlier comments reiterating that Qatar was still going to host the 2022 tournament. (FA)
