Qatar winter World Cup would hit all competitions, says Gill
MOVING the 2022 Qatar World Cup to winter is feasible but would force all parties to accept a compromise, admits Football Association vice-chairman David Gill.
Former Manchester United chief executive Gill is also on the executive committee of Uefa, which last week backed in principle plans to put the tournament back several months.
“It is not ideal as the World Cup has always been in the summer. A move, if it has to be made, has to involve compromise from all parties,” he said.
“The FA Cup may have to give up replays in a particular season, clubs may have to forgo a pre-season tour. Uefa may have to move the Champions League round of 16 from its four-week format to two weeks. If everyone goes in with that attitude then I’m sure you can come up with a solution acceptable to everyone.”
Europe’s top clubs have urged world governing body Fifa not to rush its decision, while some leagues and television companies are thought to oppose a switch.