Fifa president Sepp Blatter is dubious over playing the 2022 World Cup in the summer heat of Qatar, where temperatures can hit 50C. Air-conditioned stadia have been planned, but the Swiss has expressed concerns about the implications for people outside the venues.

"The World Cup is more than just stadiums, it's an array of social and cultural activities,'' he said.

"What do we do? It's not rational and reasonable to play in June-July."

In March, Fifa general secretary Jerome Valcke argued that the Qatar World Cup could be moved if medical reports highlighted related health risks.

"Whether it's the right choice, that's up to the executive committee," Blatter told French newspaper L'Equipe. "The problem is knowing whether it can be played in June-July in Qatar."