Former FIFA official Harold Mayne-Nicholls suggests that some 2022 World Cup matches be held at 1 a.m. local time to protect players from host nation Qatar’s extreme summer temperatures, according to a report. Mayne-Nicholls’ recommendation would allow FIFA to avoid moving the tournament to a proposed November start date.
“You could play the first games at 7 p.m., the second games at 10 p.m. and the third matches at 1 a.m. You’d change everything. It would be a couple of hours behind in Europe, and that would help TV.” the former president of the Chilean Football Federation told during an interview.
Faced with concern over Qatar’s heat, top international soccer officials, including FIFA President Sepp Blatter, have proposed moving the 2022 tournament to a November or January start date. “You can cool down the stadiums, but you can’t cool down the whole country,” Blatter said recently.
Mayne-Nicholls is reportedly considering a potential run against Blatter in next May’s FIFA elections. As of now, Blatter is a heavy favorite to remain in office, with only former FIFA Deputy Secretary General Jerome Champagne to challenge his re-election.
“I am actually evaluating the situation. It is a very good idea, but I must be careful with the decision. If I decide to stand it will not be as a testimonial candidature, I will give my best efforts to win, that will be my goal,” Mayne-Nicholls stated.
The former Chilean Football Association president was responsible for the rebirth of football in his country, having coach Marcelo Bielsa leading La Roja in the 2010 World Cup. He is among the most respected executives in South American football.
