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The Qatar World Cup has been under scrutiny since the city was awarded the 2022 tournament, and now FIFA President Sepp Blatter has said that it would be a "mistake" playing the games in the extreme heat common to the region.
It's difficult to determine the exact context of Blatter's comments, but here's what he told a Swiss television station Thursday, according to Reuters:
"Of course, it was a mistake. You know, one comes across a lot of mistakes in life.
"The Qatar technical report indicated clearly that it is too hot in summer, but the executive committee with quite a big majority decided all the same that the tournament would be in Qatar."
FIFA released a statement early Friday indicating that the "mistake" Blatter is speaking to is playing the tournament in the Qatar heat, not awarding Qatar the Cup to begin with.
"As explained in his answer to the journalist, the FIFA President reiterated that the decision to organize the World Cup in summer was an 'error' based on the technical assessment report of the bid, which had highlighted the extremely hot temperatures in summer in Qatar," the statement reads.
"At no stage did he question Qatar as hosts of the 2022 FIFA World Cup."
Blatter also discussed playing the Cup in the winter of '22 -- which would interfere with European domestic leagues -- rather than summer as is customary.
"It's probable, yes," Blatter said. "In fact, it's more than probable."
Beyond the issues of heat, Qatar has been the target of corruption allegations as well as creating dangerous working conditions that could end up killing thousands.
In all, many believe that the 2022 World Cup could be problematic, or, in the words of MLS Commissioner Don Garber, a "monumental disaster."
