FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke has revealed that the 2022 World Cup in Qatar is likely to be played in the winter.

The tournament has traditionally been staged throughout June and July, but due to the high temperatures in the Middle East during those months, it has been widely speculated that the matches will have to played at a different time of year.

Although there has been no official confirmation, Valcke hinted to reporters this afternoon that the competition could well be played over January and February or November and December.

Valcke also revealed that FIFA has been asked to consider holding the competition in April and May to lessen the impact on domestic leagues.