Qatar 'happy' to host in summer

The tournament traditionally takes place in June and July but with temperatures in Qatar rising to 40 degrees Celsius in those months many have questioned whether it would be safe for the world's top footballers to play in such searing heat.

And that led to suggestions, some from FIFA president Joseph Blatter, that the first World Cup to be staged in the Middle East could take place in the European winter for all that it might interfere with the continent's club seasons.

But Bin Hammam, who will challenge Blatter for the FIFA presidency in Zurich on 1 June, insisted Qatari officials were happy with the schedule.

"As far as we're concerned in Qatar, we're not particularly interested in hosting the World Cup in winter," Bin Hammam told AFP.

"We're very happy with the current date and we've promised the world to host an exceptional World Cup in June/July.

"A lot of opinions have been expressed on this subject by world football officials but frankly it doesn't come down to two or three members of the (FIFA) Executive Committee to talk about a date change without taking into account those who made this decision."

Bin Hammam added: "Football in Europe has a long history, it's an entire industry backed by finance, media and marketing and as a result it would be unfair towards the Europeans to speak of a date change or calendar switch without consulting them and reaching full agreement."

UEFA president Michel Platini has expressed his hope that the 2022 World Cup could be played 'from November 20 to December 20 ... just before Christmas would be great'.