Despite rumblings that the 2022 FIFA World Cup may be moved to the winter, the winter sports federations aren’t panicking until they have more information.
Gian Franco Kasper, president of the International Ski Federation, intimated earlier this month that a January World Cup could weaken interest in the 2022 Winter Olympics.
"If they do it in November, even December, we wouldn’t like it but it’s something we can live with," Kasper told the AP. "In January, I tell you very honestly, this is our main season, not only for skiing, for all winter sports."
The 2022 edition of the FIFA tournament is slated to be played in Qatar, where its becoming increasingly clear that the blistering summer heat would make what’s customarily a June/July event hazardous for both players and spectators.
FIFA discussed the matter at an executive committee meeting earlier this month, but elected to delay a final decision until more information can be gathered. However, with FIFA president Sepp Blatter and medical experts pushing for a change, a winter World Cup could be inevitable.
"It would not be very good for us," said Anders Besseberg, president of the International Biathlon Union. He went on, however, to say that he was sure the IOC would act in the best interests of the federations and the Games.
Svein Romstad said the two events would clearly affect one another, but expressed confidence a solution will be reached based on mutual need.
"I think it goes both ways," the International Luge Federation’s secretary general said of a potential conflict. "It’s going to hurt them, [and] it’s going to hurt the Olympics because it’s two big events going on at the same time. Both of them will lose out some.
"It just all depends what territories you’ll talk about."
The presidents of the International Skating Union and International Ice Hockey Federation both said we need more time and information before really assessing the impact.
"In eight years or nine years," said skating chief Ottavio Cinquanta, "it is not easy to know."
Cinquanta said the focus after Sochi, as far as Winter Games goes, will shift to PyeongChang. With a site for the 2022 Games still two years from being determined, another layer of uncertainty is added.
"It depends a lot on where the Games would be held," said Cinquanta. "You have to consider pros and cons."
Hockey president Dr. Rene Fasel seemed unconcerned, as the Winter Games’ coincidence with the World Cup is "no news."
"We are used to this circumstance," said Fasel. "However, if the World Cup will be rescheduled, it is difficult to say what repercussions this will have, unless it is known what the dates will be and where the Olympics will be held in that year."
A final decision on when the 2022 tournament will be held is not expected until after next summer’s World Cup in Brazil.
Written by Nick Devlin
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