FIFA president Sepp Blatter has revealed that he wants the 2022 World Cup final in Qatar to take place no later than December 18, five days earlier than previously scheduled.
Earlier this week, it was confirmed that the tournament would be switched to the winter due to the warmer conditions in Qatar, and it was initially proposed that the final would take place on December 23.
However, while Blatter insisted that a winter tournament was the only possible scenario, he has indicated that he wants the competition to conclude no later than December 18.
Blatter told Sky Sports News: "It was one-and-a-half years ago that I said that we cannot play in summer. The task force presented a proposal to FIFA and it has been decided we will play in November and December.
When asked about the date of the final, Blatter added: "It will definitely not be the 23rd. We have to stop at the 18th. I am against that we go to the 23rd."
Despite the upheaval of the scheduling for many European leagues, Blatter has reiterated that no compensation will be awarded.
Darren Plant
