(CNN) — The 2022 World Cup in Qatar will be played in the European winter, FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke has told a French radio station.

“It will be played between November 15 and January 15 at the latest. If it’s played between November 15 and the end of December, that is when the weather is most favorable,” Valcke, who is Sepp Blatter’s deputy, told France Info.
The tournament is traditionally held between June and July, but concerns have been raised over the potential health risks of staging a World Cup during the intense heat of a Qatari summer.

“You’re playing in temperatures that are equivalent to a hot spring in Europe,” added Valcke referring to the idea of staging the event in June and July, “so playing in an average temperature of 25 degrees (Celsius) … perfect for playing football.”

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