Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore has claimed that European leagues have been ignored following a FIFA task force's recommendation that the 2022 Qatar World Cup should be held in winter.
FIFA's task force came to the conclusion after a meeting in Doha on Tuesday. However, the recommendation is yet to be ratified.
The task force has suggested that the cooler temperatures of November and December would be beneficial for both fans and players instead of staging the tournament in the country's blazing summer heat.
Scudamore, who was part of the task force meeting in Qatar, believes that the potential schedule change will prove problematic for competitions such as the Premier League.
"We are extremely disappointed with the FIFA task force recommendation to move the 2022 FIFA World Cup to a November and December schedule," he said in a statement.
"It is clear that the views of the European leagues, along with the numerous other competitions globally that will be negatively affected, have not been given serious consideration throughout this process.
"The prevailing view from the leagues has been that displacing the 2022 World Cup significantly from the original summer dates disproportionately impacts the sporting integrity of our competitions.
"Our particular concern is that a FIFA World Cup that finishes late in December could result in damaging one of the English game's great traditions and attractions, with the removal of the entire Premier League, Football League and FA Cup Christmas and New Year fixture programme that season.
"Clearly there is still time within the process to consider our position further, but first we will consult with our clubs, other stakeholders in English football, and other leagues before deciding on what, if any, further action might be appropriate or worthwhile."
FIFA's executive committee are expected to meet in Zurich next month to make a final decision on when the 2022 World Cup will be held.
Jack Prescott
