The 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar is set to be a historic event, the first World Cup to be hosted in the Middle East. However, the original plan to host the tournament in the summer is no longer feasible due to the extreme heat in Qatar during that time of year. As a result, the Qatar Football Association (QFA) has announced that the tournament will be moved to the winter months instead.
Qatar World Cup Change of Season
The 2022 FIFA World Cup, which is set to be held in Qatar, was originally scheduled to take place during the summer months of June and July. However, due to the extreme heat in Qatar during the summer months, the Qatar Football Association (QFA) has announced that the tournament will now be moved to the winter months instead. This change of season will make the tournament the first ever to be held in the winter months, and will require a significant rearrangement of the international football calendar.
Reasons Behind the Change
The decision to move the tournament to the winter months was made due to the extreme heat that Qatar experiences during the summer months. The average temperature in Qatar during the summer months can reach up to 50°C, with humidity levels that can reach up to 70%. This level of heat and humidity is not only uncomfortable for players and fans, but also poses a serious risk to their health.
In addition to the health risks, the extreme heat also has a significant impact on the quality of the football being played. The extreme heat can cause the ball to move slower and more erratically, making it difficult for players to control and reducing the overall quality of the game.
Finally, the decision to move the tournament to the winter months was also influenced by the fact that Qatar is a predominantly Muslim country. During the summer months, the holy month of Ramadan falls during the same time as the tournament, which would have made it difficult for the Muslim population to participate in the tournament. By moving the tournament to the winter months, the QFA is ensuring that the tournament is accessible to all.
The decision to move the 2022 FIFA World Cup to the winter months has been met with both support and criticism, but it is clear that the move is necessary in order to ensure the health and safety of players and fans, as well as to make the tournament more accessible to all. With the tournament now set to take place in the winter months, the QFA and FIFA have an opportunity to create a truly historic event.
December 2020 marks the beginning of a monumental shift in the sports world, as the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar will be hosted in November and December instead of its traditional summertime period. This historic change is a result of the success of the bid submitted by Qatar when it vied to become the first Arab country to host the international competition.
The change in hosting the World Cup during the winter period has been met with much skepticism and even criticism by some in the football world. Despite this, the decision was ultimately rooted in the considered opinion that a winter tournament is more suitable for Qatar due to the potential harm to the health of the athletes and managing staff during the summer period. This viewpoint is directly linked to Qatar’s summer climate, which is characterized by extreme levels of heat and humidity.
The onset of these weather conditions means that temperatures can reach up to 40°C and it is estimated that such dangerous levels could make it potentially life-threatening to both the players on the field, and the fans in attendance. For this reason, the months of November and December have been chosen for the tournament instead, providing a safer and more comfortable environment for all concerned.
Furthermore, organisers in Qatar have undertaken various additional sporting initiatives to ensure that this 2022 tournament is the most successful ever. These have included the creation of above-standard cooling and climate control systems, technological advancements, and improved security arrangements. Consequently, the Qatar World Cup will now become the first-ever World Cup of its kind to be hosted in a winter period and is set to provide an experience unlike any other.
In summary, Qatar’s successful 2022 FIFA World Cup bid has led to a major shift in the sports world, as the tournament will move away from its traditional summer period in order to best suit the country’s climate. While this change has faced much debate, it is ultimately rooted in protecting the health and safety of all involved. Acknowledging this, Qatar organisers have also taken extensive measures to ensure a successful tournament, making sure that the 2022 World Cup will be remembered as the first of its kind.
