FIFA president Gianni Infantino has hinted that the 2034 World Cup will take place in Winter due to high temperatures reaching as high as 39 c in the day in Saudi Arabia.
Addressing the European Football Clubs’ annual assembly attendees in Rome, he revealed that talks have started to Alter the calendar.
“We are already into the nitty-gritty, we are discussing all the time,” Infantino is quoted as saying by The Times.
“It’s not just about one World Cup – it’s a general reflection – even to play in some European countries in July is very, very hot, so maybe we have to think.
“Actually, the best month to play football, which is June, is not used very much in Europe. Maybe there are ways we can optimise the calendar, but we are discussing it and we will see when we come to some conclusions. We just have to have an open mind.
“It is a fact that in the world, if you want to play at the same time everywhere, you can play in March or in October, most likely. Because in December you cannot play in one part of the world and in July you cannot play in another part of the world.
“We need to consider all these elements when we speak about national team competitions, national team release, about club competitions, and see how we can make it better for the benefit of everyone. So there is a lot at stake.”
The 2022 World Cup, won by Argentina in Qatar, took place in winter. This saw the domestic season start early and finish late.
Looking at the President’s comments in more detail, Sky Sport Senior Journalist Kaveh Solhekol believes that Infantino is just floating the idea.
“I’m not sure if he’s being serious or if that is hyperbole. I looked up the dictionary definition meaning of Hyperbole and it’s exaggerated statements not meant to be taken literally”.
Saudi Arabia has started preparations for the World Cup , with them going as far as hiring Populos, which is an architectural company that has designed the Lusail stadium and the Tottenham Hotspur stadium.
To do renovations in these stadiums Aramco Stadium in Al Khobar, Qiddiya’s Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium and the 92,760-capacity King Salman Stadium in Riyadh, which will host the final of the World Cup.
