2022 World Cup to be played in the winter?

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Soccer • FIFA opened a two-day board meeting Thursday that will discuss whether to move the 2022 World Cup in Qatar from the traditional summer dates.

FIFA President Sepp Blatter has been pushing for a switch but will likely meet opposition from Europe and the United States. They want FIFA to consult widely before agreeing to a change from the usual June-July slot to avoid the extreme heat in the tiny desert nation.

Officials from Asian and African confederations also said Thursday they have not yet talked formally about Blatter's proposed switch.

"We haven't had that discussion in (Africa)," FIFA board member Hany Abo Rida of Egypt told The Associated Press. "We're waiting to hear the explanation from the FIFA executive."

Blatter has suggested starting the tournament in November, while UEFA President Michel Platini prefers January.

The Associated Press