Platini goes on attack over ‘early’ winter 2022 comments

As the fallout over Valcke’s comments continued, Platini, who still hasn’t decided whether to run for FIFA president next year, was quoted as denouncing Valcke for choosing to go public when he did rather than stick to the agreed time frame.

In a radio interview earlier this week, Valcke caused a storm when he suggested the 2022 tournament would be switched from its traditional June-July slot due to the fierce desert heat.

He said he considered November 15 to January 15 as the optimum time, seemingly jumping the gun given the global consultation process designed to come up with the best solution to alleviate fears about playing the tournament in the middle of the oppressively hot Gulf summer.

FIFA and the Qatar organisers both rushed out statements denying any definitive decision had been reached on dates, declaring that consultation with all stakeholders had not yet reached its course and confirming no decision would be taken before this summer’s World Cup.

But this did not satisfy Platini.

“When the executive committee was held in early October, it was decided to launch a major consultation of all football and no decision would be taken before the 2014 World Cup in Brazil,” he told L’Equipe. “It was also agreed not to talk about this before then.”

Platini has made no secret of the fact that he voted for Qatar on the basis that the tournament would be switched to winter. But he has always maintained this was a personal opinion and believes Valcke was wrong to speak out at this time – even though his comments have also been interpreted as personal.

“I do not see why it is discussed publicly,” Platini said. “Two months (FIFA president Sepp) Blatter spoke about it. Now it’s Valcke. This is supposed to be a decision for the executive committee of FIFA. But maybe the executive committee doesn’t matter. We have to consult the entire football family before making a decision.”

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