Qatar open to winter World Cup

Qatar's World Cup committee have revealed that they are open to the possibility of staging the competition in winter.

The 2022 tournament to be held in the Middle East has caused controversy with FIFA seemingly committed to holding it during the winter, rather than in the summer.

FA Chairman Greg Dyke has also backed a winter tournament due to the soaring temperatures in summer, despite the problems it would cause for the domestic schedule.

"It was the right decision to award the World Cup to the Middle East for the first time in 2022," read a statement from the Qatar 2022 Supreme Committee.

"Football is the most popular sport in the Middle East and we are committed to delivering on the promises we made in our successful bid.

"We are ready to host in summer or winter. We have always maintained that the issue requires the agreement of the international football community. A decision to alter the dates will not affect our infrastructure planning."

Temperatures in Qatar during the summer regularly exceed 40°C.