BANGKOK: The chief of Asia’s Olympic body and Association of National Olympic Committees, Sheikh Ahmad Al Fahad Al Sabah, yesterday ruled out rescheduling the 2022 Winter Olympics to avoid Qatar World Cup as moves gather pace to shift football’s showpiece to a cooler time of year.
He said he was sure the two events would not clash, adding the World Cup had to fit in around the Winter Olympics, and not the other way round.
“I think the Olympics should be maintained because we don’t have a problem. This is a FIFA issue, not an International Olympic Committee issue.
I believe IOC will stick with their time because it has been committed and the broadcaster has been committed, the broadcasting, all the marketing partners, the NOCs.
“FIFA should be flexible in choosing, this is my advice, the best date. I think they will try to find the best solution, how they will make it without touching each other, keeping the interests of each and respect the period of each game or event.” Suggested dates are January-February 2022 or November-December, raising fears of a clash with the Winter Games.
He said Qatar would be in a strong position if it decides to launch a fourth bid to host Summer Olympics, after three failed attempts.
Agencies
