Qatar’s ambitious bid to host the 2022 World Cup has suffered a setback after FIFA regarded their strategy as high risk just weeks before the hosts are revealed.
The hot weather during the summer months in Qatar seems to be the major stumbling point as there is no logical solution to minimise the temperature during the tournament weeks. FIFA stated that playing the tournament during them months would have to be considered a health risk to players and spectators.
Elsewhere, Australia and South Korea fared the best with a low risk assessment. The Korean bid, which promises to include North Korea as a place to stage matches if successful, was largely praised but criticised over the lack of revenue that the tournament would generate. This was also the issue for favourites Australia. The USA and Japan both received medium level risk gradings as both failed to gain support from their government over hosting the competition.
Going into the final weeks of the process, it is hard to pick a favourite. Qatar and Australia have both been dubbed as potential winners for a while now. With neither side having ever held the World Cup before, it is highly likely that FIFA may look for a new venue in 2022.
