PARIS (AP) — FIFA president Sepp Blatter says Qatar’s neighboring countries could host games at the 2022 World Cup.
Qatar was designated the 2022 World Cup last week, despite concerns that the intense heat poses a serious health risk if the tournament is played in summer.
In an interview with sports daily L’Equipe on Thursday, Blatter said Australia’s 2022 World Cup bid proposed some matches in New Zealand. He added that “it could be the same in Qatar and that some matches could take place in nearby countries.” He did not say where.
Blatter reiterated that FIFA was right to award Qatar the World Cup because “we are opening football to a new world and a new culture.”
Qatar also beat out the United States, Japan and South Korea.
