Sandro Rosell: Clubs open to 2022 World Cup in winter

Sandro Rosell says the ECA believes "in principal'' the tournament in the Gulf nation of Qatar should take place in the summer.

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The president of Barcelona says European clubs would be open to the 2022 World Cup in winter as long as they are given several years to prepare for what would be a sweeping overhaul of club and international schedules.

Sandro Rosell, an executive with the 200-member European Club Association, says the ECA believes "in principal'' the tournament in the Gulf nation of Qatar should take place in the summer despite its scorching temperatures. But the clubs are open to a winter tournament, as long the decision is made "two or three years in advance so we can plan properly.''

Rosell, whose club is sponsored by Qatari entities, is the latest football executive to come out in favor of holding the flagship tournament in the cooler winter months.