The World Football governing body, FIFA, has said that it will not pay compensation to clubs and leagues unhappy about its plan to play the 2022 Qatar World Cup in November and December.
Jerome Valcke, FIFA secretary general, speaking at a news conference in Doha on Wednesday, said, “There will be no compensation and no apology was necessary for the scheduling of the tournament, which will disrupt a number of leagues.”
A FIFA task force has recommended the 2022 World Cup takes place in winter to avoid Qatar’s hot summer temperatures.
FIFA’s executive committee will meet in Zurich next month to ratify the task force’s recommendation.
Valcke also suggested that a 2022 World Cup final on December 23, was looking increasingly likely.
Valcke also confirmed the 2022 World Cup will be four days shorter as a concession to leagues and clubs – 28 days instead of the usual 31 or 32 – and that the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations will move to June instead of January.
Valcke admitted the situation was “not perfect” but added that “Why are we talking about compensation? It’s happening once, we’re not destroying football.
“Why should we apologise to the clubs? We have had an agreement with the clubs that they are part of the beneficiaries. It was $40m (£26m) in 2010 and $70m (£45m) in 2014. We are bringing all our people to enjoy the sporting and financial results of the World Cup.”
WhatsApp us