Winter World Cup Coming to Qatar in 2022

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The Chalifa International Stadium (pictured during preparations for 2022 FIFA World Cup) in sporting complex Aspire Zone in Doha, Qatar on Jan. 20, 2015.
The Chalifa International Stadium (pictured during preparations for 2022 FIFA World Cup) in sporting complex Aspire Zone in Doha, Qatar on Jan. 20, 2015.Havlik Petr—AP
By Paul Palladino / Sports Illustrated

The FIFA executive committee confirmed the 2022 World Cup in Qatar will be played in November and December with a Dec. 18 final.

FIFA also announced that it has agreed in principle to hold the tournament during a reduced 28-day window.

Last month, FIFA recommended the tournament be played later in the year because of the extreme heat during the summer months in Qatar.

FIFA has been criticized for rescheduling the tournament into the middle of the club season. In February, FIFA announced that it will not compensate European clubs that have their seasons disrupted by players participating in the World Cup.

FIFA president Sepp Blatter previously said he wanted the final to be played no later than Dec. 18 as the championship game is traditionally held on a Sunday.

This article originally appeared on SI.com.

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