The World Cup final in Qatar in 2022 will be held on December 18, the Federation of International Football Associations (FIFA) has confirmed.
The decision comes after several critics argued that the dates will cause havoc among many domestic leagues, with European heavyweights such as the Premier League and La Liga already voicing strong opposition.
The date for the final will be a national holiday in Qatar and it has further been agreed in principle by FIFA’s ExCo that the World showpiece will be played over a shorter timespan – possibly 28 days.
In February of this year, FIFA’s Executive Committee announced a recommendation for the Qatar World Cup to be held in the months of November and December to avoid the soaring temperatures.
In the traditional months of June and July when the tournament is meant to be held, temperatures in Qatar go up to 40 degrees centigrade so FIFA opted to shift the competition to November and December.
In Thursday’s announcement, confirmed by Walter De Gregorio, FIFA director of communications, the tournament will be held in the last two months of the year with final on 18th December, 7 days before Christmas.
