ENGLAND – The FA have called on FIFA to “seriously consider” moving the Qatar World Cup to the summer of 1966.
A spokesman confirmed the organisation’s stance after several countries have voiced their willingness to see the 2022 tournament moved.
There is now growing pressure to move to the sixties amid concerns England won’t win it if it was played at any other time.
Time shift
The Qatar organisers have reiterated that they will be able to host the World Cup “whether it’s played in Summer 2022, winter 2022 or 1966.”
“The great thing about us is our bid was based on a summer World Cup and whether that’s in 2022 or 1966 we can accommodate and will be ready.”
Executives inside the FA believe a move to the middle of the 20th is essential to a successful tournament for the national side.
An official FA statement read: “while we agree with the growing chorus of footballing associations that the World Cup in Qatar needs to be moved, we don’t believe the current options go far enough to ensuring the right playing conditions.”
“That’s why we have suggested FIFA move the World Cup to the summer of 1966 which will provide the most agreeable conditions, especially our boys.”
Speaking at their St. George’s Park facility, FA Chairman Greg Dyke said it was “no secret there a problems with hosting the World Cup in the Qatar 2022.”
“Not least of all that it takes place in the future which isn’t looking favourable to our chances of winning the World Cup.”
Logistical nightmare
While FIFA say there is “no doubt” the tournament will take place in the nation of Qatar, it did question the practicality of moving the tournament back six decades.”
Publicly, FIFA vice-president Jim Boyce told reporters they had received the suggestion in writing from the English FA and that “it was under consideration like any other proposal.”
Privately however, Mr Boyce is said to be concerned over the logistical hurdles involved in hosting a tournament in a period of time that has already passed.
“It’s just not practical,” said a FIFA insider who wished to remain anonymous.
“This is a plan that has not been thought through properly. I mean, think about it. We don’t even have time machines.”
“And what about the fans? What if someone unwittingly changes the course of time or their very existence by having sex with their future parent? What then?”
“No, no. It’s simply unworkable.”
Leave a Reply