Michael Owen: 'No option but to move 2022 Qatar World Cup to winter'

Former England international Michael Owen believes that FIFA have 'no option' but to switch the 2022 World Cup in Qatar to the winter months.

Football's world governing body announced today that the tournament will remain in the Middle East, but a taskforce will be assembled to consider alternative dates.

The reason behind a possible switch is largely down to the extreme heat in the summer, which Owen believes could be dangerous for supporters.

"I have played in Qatar and they have air con machines that are fantastic and you would think they would affect the flight of the ball but it doesn't," Owen told The Clare Balding Show on BT Sport.

"You've also got to think of the spectators. I don't think they've got any other option but to put it into the winter. It's going to mess up football around the world for a season but I don't think you have any option."

A final decision regarding the dates of the tournament will not be made before the 2014 World Cup.