Loew against winter finals in Qatar

Germany coach Joachim Loew said he was opposed to playing the 2022 World Cup finals in Qatar during winter, saying it would be a disadvantage to fans in Europe. Speaking to Sport Bild, Loew pointed to the atmosphere generated at home during the last...

Germany coach Joachim Loew said he was opposed to playing the 2022 World Cup finals in Qatar during winter, saying it would be a disadvantage to fans in Europe.

Speaking to Sport Bild, Loew pointed to the atmosphere generated at home during the last two World Cups in Germany and South Africa by fans watching matches on giant screens in open spaces.

Asked if the 2022 tournament should be played in January, he replied: “I really do not think that can be done because I also see the tournament from another point of view: that of the fans.

“At the World Cup in 2006, the Euro Championships in 2008 and the World Cup in 2010, there were millions on the streets... if the World Cup in 2022 takes place in winter, no fan is going to be on the street if it’s -5 degrees,” he added.

After FIFA decided to award the World Cup to the Gulf emirate, there were fears that the searing heat in June and July would make the tournament dangerous for players and fans alike.

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