After news broke this morning that the Qatar World Cup 2022 will indeed be played in Winter, many have voiced their discontent with the decision which will no doubt have a huge impact on many leagues around the World as the final is due to take place on December 23rd.
Like it or not, the English Premier League is the most popular league in the World, and as they focus the busiest part of their season over the Christmas period, a World Cup that concludes on Christmas Eve's eve would obviously cause some problems.
Following on from a very negative reaction on twitter, Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore has made the following statement:
We are extremely disappointed with the FIFA Task Force recommendation to move the 2022 FIFA World Cup to a November and December schedule.
It is clear that the views of the European leagues, along with the numerous other competitions globally that will be negatively affected, have not been given serious consideration throughout this process.
The prevailing view from the leagues has been that displacing the 2022 World Cup significantly from the original summer dates disproportionately impacts the sporting integrity of our competitions.
Our particular concern is that a FIFA World Cup that finishes late in December could result in damaging one of the English game’s great traditions and attractions, with the removal of the entire Premier League, Football League and FA Cup Christmas and New Year fixture programme that season.
Clearly there is still time within the process to consider our position further, but first we will consult with our clubs, other stakeholders in English football, and other leagues before deciding on what, if any, further action might be appropriate or worthwhile.
While our own League of Ireland will benefit, along with other leagues such as the MLS, it is unlikely that the Premier League are going to be the only organisation upset with the decision, as the winter break in the Bundesliga and in Spain, for example, are seen as vital to maintaining the players' fitness levels and preventing injury.
Plus, there'll be no more football on the telly for the days after Christmas when you can't move thanks to the Christmas dinner. Just the thought of that is devastating.
via PremierLeague.com
