QATAR will NOT host the 2022 World Cup due to the searing desert heat, according to Fifa Executive Committee member Theo Zwanziger.
The Gulf state was awarded the tournament in 2010 and ever since has been plagued by problems and controversy.
As well as allegations of bribery and corruption, many claim holding the showpiece event during the Qatari summer is impossible due to the 40C heats experienced in the gas-rich nation.
"I personally think that in the end the 2022 World Cup will not take place in Qatar," Mr Zwanziger told Bild.
"Medics say that they cannot accept responsibility with a World Cup taking place under these conditions."
Those in charge of staging the tournament have discussed developing air-conditioned stadiums and training areas but the former German football chief claims there is still concern over the health of players and fans.
He added: "They may be able to cool the stadiums but a World Cup does not take place only there.
"That is not something that Fifa Exco members want to answer for."
There has been discussion of moving the World Cup to the winter, a proposal several leading Fifa members are in favour of.
But this would cause severe disruption across European football.
The wealthy state has also been criticised for the conditions provided to the army of migrant workers charged with building the stadiums and associated infrastructure for the tournament.
Hundreds of Nepalese workers have already lost their lives.
Workers are housed in cramped conditions and given limited access to food and water as well as having their passports confiscated.
As well as allegations of bribery and corruption, many claim holding the showpiece event during the Qatari summer is impossible due to the 40C heats experienced in the gas-rich nation.
"I personally think that in the end the 2022 World Cup will not take place in Qatar," Mr Zwanziger told Bild.
"Medics say that they cannot accept responsibility with a World Cup taking place under these conditions."
Those in charge of staging the tournament have discussed developing air-conditioned stadiums and training areas but the former German football chief claims there is still concern over the health of players and fans.
He added: "They may be able to cool the stadiums but a World Cup does not take place only there.
"Fans from around the world will be coming and travelling in this heat and the first life-threatening case will trigger an investigation by a state prosecutor.“I personally think that in the end the 2022 World Cup will not take place in Qatar”Theo Zwanziger
"That is not something that Fifa Exco members want to answer for."
There has been discussion of moving the World Cup to the winter, a proposal several leading Fifa members are in favour of.
But this would cause severe disruption across European football.
The wealthy state has also been criticised for the conditions provided to the army of migrant workers charged with building the stadiums and associated infrastructure for the tournament.
Hundreds of Nepalese workers have already lost their lives.
Workers are housed in cramped conditions and given limited access to food and water as well as having their passports confiscated.
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