FIFA president Gianni Infantino holds a press conference at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow on July 13, 2018, two days before the Russia 2018 World Cup final football match between France and Croatia. / AFP / Jewel SAMAD
QNA
Moscow: President of the International Federation for Football Associations (FIFA) Gianni Infantino on Friday announced the dates for the 2022 World Cup which is to be held in Qatar - with the tournament to be held outside of the summer for the first time, considering the climate of the host nation.
Gianni revealed at a press conference on Friday that the tournament will begin on 21 November, with the final being played on 18 December.
Gianni said that leagues around the world have been informed already about the decision given that the new dates clash with the normal domestic schedules for a number of European club sides. "Leagues around the world have been informed already," he said adding "of course they will have to adapt."
On the VAR technology, the president of FIFA said that the VAR system had made a successful start at the World Cup, through the current edition in Russia, and helped correct the mistakes made by the referees.
He spoke of "very clear and positive" results of the VAR in the World Cup which ends on Sunday in the final between France and Croatia in Moscow.
Gianni praised the organization of the World Cup Russia 2018, calling it the "best". He also extended thanks to the Russian government, the organizing committee, the Russian Football Federation and the volunteers who were the "beating heart of the World Cup. (QNA)
