Qatar plans 2020 WCup in summer, but flexible
Qatar willing to host World Cup in summer or winter amid concerns about desert heat
FIFA President Joseph Blatter speaks to journalists following the FIFA Executive Committee meeting in Zurich, Switzerland, on Thursday, March 21, 2013. (AP Photo/Keystone/Steffen Schmidt)
DOHA, Qatar (AP) -- Qatar organizers say they're planning to hold the 2022 World Cup in the summer, although they are willing to host in the winter.
UEFA President Michel Platini prefers to play the tournament in the cooler winter months. FIFA general secretary Jerome Valcke says the executive committee could move the dates because of medical issues.
FIFA medical chief Michel D'Hooghe expressed concerns last week about how fans and officials would cope in the summer heat, which can exceed 102 degrees in the desert nation.
But FIFA President Sepp Blatter has said Qatar would have to request a shift to winter.
In a statement, Qatar's organizing committee said "we are ready to host the World Cup in summer or winter. Our planning isn't affected either way."
