2022 World Cup in Qatar is set to be in winter

The 2022 football World Cup now looks likely to be the first one ever to be staged in winter.

Fifa, who run world football, have recommended a plan to hold the tournament in November and December, rather than it's usual place in June and July.

It's because Qatar gets so hot in the summer that it could be unsafe for players and fans.

The change will be confirmed next month and could lead to major disruption.

Debate and disruption

There has been lots of debate about when the tournament should be held ever since Qatar was awarded the right to host it five years ago.

If the decision is agreed it will have a huge effect on all of the domestic leagues around Europe, including the Premier League.

Stoke City chairman, Peter Coates, told BBC Radio 5 live: "The only saving grace is that we don't have to think about it for a long time. The planning will go on and it will be incredibly difficult. It couldn't be more disruptive. It couldn't be more messy."

Schedule

Fifa's new plan would see the 2022 tournament start November 26 and end just two days before Christmas on December 23.

The final decision is expected to be confirmed on 19 and 20 March.

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