The 2022 World Cup in Qatar is to be played in November and December and the final will be held on December 18, FIFA spokesman Walter de Gregorio said yesterday.

De Gregorio told reporters the decision was made by the executive committee of soccer’s ruling body FIFA following a recommendation by a task force that was set up specifically to discuss the issue.

He added the starting date had yet to be decided but the intention was the tournament would last four weeks.

“I can confirm the executive committee today, based on the proposal of the task force... decided that, yes, we are going to play in November and December and, yes, the final is going to be played on December 18,” De Gregorio said.

“It’s a Sunday and it’s also the national day of Qatar and, in principle, we try to play in 28 days. Next steps will be to have different talks especially related to the match calendar.”