FIFA have confirmed that the 2022 World Cup will not be moved from Qatar, despite concerns over the country s suitability to host the event.
The tournament has come under increasing scrutiny in recent months amid fears that the sweltering heat of June and July temperatures in excess of 40 degrees Celsius would lead to unsafe conditions for both players and spectators.
International pressure has also been heaped on the country to prevent the exploitation of migrant workers, with World Cup organisers admitting that they were appalled by the findings of an investigation over work conditions in Qatar conducted by a British newspaper recently.
That has led to calls from some quarters to re-open the bidding process as FIFA s executive committee convened for a two-day meeting in Zurich on Thursday.
However, while discussions are still ongoing over a possible switch of the tournament from its traditional summer slot to the cooler winter months, the world governing body did confirm that the venue itself is not up for debate.
Speaking in Zurich, spokesman Walter De Grigorio moved to end rumours that the tournament venue could be altered.
No doubt, De Grigorio said when asked if the World Cup is set to be played in the Gulf nation.
What is open to question is if we play in winter, and if so is it November, December, January, I don t know.
But there is no doubt we will play in Qatar.
