The World Cup in Qatar is becoming increasingly more likely to be held in the winter months of 2022, despite concerns over disruption to club football, according to the Daily Mail.

January and February or November and December are now the most likely options for FIFA, after a meeting took place to identify the most suitable dates in the international calendar to hold the 32-team tournament.

CONCERNS OVER THE SCHEDULE

The European Clubs Association (ECA) have asked FIFA to also consider May 2022 as a further alternative, because of the disruption it would cause to domestic leagues by running the competition during winter months. But this is expected to be dismissed due to concerns over how heat during that month could affect players and supporters.

CONSIDERATION

"We are getting closer to narrowing the dates for the FIFA World Cup to two options - January/February 2022 or November/December 2022 - but FIFA has also been asked to consider May 2022,” FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke said in a statement.