It seemed that detractors had successfully persuaded FIFA away from serious consideration of holding the 2022 World Cup in winter. At least until Monday. FIFA is again exploring the possibility of a World Cup kicking off in January or November of 2022 in Qatar, assigning its task force Monday to give the schedule change full consideration. The proposal is unpopular as it would impact club seasons and broadcasting schedules around the world, but temperatures during summer in Qatar are deemed unsuitable for the tournament.
Meanwhile, Portugal’s slump from the World Cup this summer seems to be carrying into the UEFA European Championship. To open their Euro 2016 qualifying campaign, Portugal lost to Albania at home, 1-0. Cristiano Ronaldo was absent due to injury, but it was still an upset as Albania is hardly considered a footballing powerhouse — Albania has never qualified for a World Cup.
And the Columbus Crew are looking to bolster their defense as playoffs quickly approach. The club signed 31-year-old Emanuel Pogatetz, a member of the Austrian national team coming off a stint with FC Nurnberg in Germany.
Here is a rundown of all the stories featured on SBI Monday:
MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER
The SBI Show: Episode 163 (Talking MLS Week 26, USMNT, and more)
Crew sign veteran Austrian centerback Pogatetz
SBI MLS Rookie of the Week: Chris Duvall
SBI MLS Team of the Week: New England Revolution
SBI MLS Player of the Week: Giles Barnes
OTHER AMERICAN SOCCER
College Soccer Weekend Rewind: St Mary’s stuns Washington, UCLA rebounds vs. UNM, and more
INTERNATIONAL SOCCER
International Rewind: Portugal falls to Albania; Costa Rica, Panama play to draw; and more
FIFA explores moving 2022 World Cup dates
International Rewind: Spain crushes Macedonia; England tops Swiss on road; and more
Monday Kickoff: Blatter confirms FIFA candidacy; Reus injures ankle; and more
Soccer Monday: Your Running Commentary
I recall that the entire Qatar’s bid was based on the pitch that the summer temperatures would not be an issue, because they would use yet-to-be-developed cooling technology that would keep the open stadiums cool. If they are not able to deliver on that promise (and even leaving bribery allegations aside), the cup should be taken away from them.
seeing as how Russia would benefit from the schedule change, 2018 world cup should be the time to put the whole world on the spring- fall calendar. and that would bring everyone up to speed. and maybe 2022 is in November, because of the Olympics, but 2026 in the USA would come in jan/feb, a week after the super bowl. the downside is Norway will never be hosting a world cup, but Canada could probably get away with it, because Vancouver is pretty mild in the winter. plus, by 2026, we will probably have some new bubble stadium technology. youre still alive to host Norway.