Organisers of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar have said that they would be happy to host the tournament in either summer or winter.
Widespread concerns have been expressed at hosting the tournament in the country during summer because of the searing heat.
This has led to a number of high-profile figures, including UEFA president Michel Platini, to call for the tournament to be held in the winter. However, that would play havoc with most regular domestic seasons, especially in Europe.
Organisers are certain that they can cool both players and supporters with extensive air conditioning in the summer.
A statement from the Qatar 2022 Supreme Committee said: "Concerning the timing of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, we have always reiterated that we bid on the parameters that we would host in the summer of 2022.
"Various figures from the world of football have raised preferences for hosting in the winter.
"We are ready to host the World Cup in summer or winter. Our planning isn't affected either way, as we are committed to the cooling technologies for legacy reasons."
FIFA president Sepp Blatter has said that if the tournament is to be moved to the winter months, then organisers must first come forward with a proposal.
Pascal Lemesre
