Although Qatar has insisted that hosting a summer World Cup is possible thanks to cooling technologies it is developing for stadiums, training areas and fan zones, there is still widespread concern over the health of the players and visiting supporters.

"I personally think that in the end the 2022 World Cup will not take place in Qatar," the German told Sport Bild.

"Medics say that they cannot accept responsibility with a World Cup taking place under these conditions.

"They may be able to cool the stadiums but a World Cup does not take place only there.

"Fans from around the world will be coming and travelling in this heat and the first life-threatening case will trigger an investigation by a state prosecutor.

"That is not something that FIFA Executive Committee members want to answer for."

Sepp Blatter conceded in May of this year that awarding the 2022 World Cup to Qatar was a "mistake" ©Getty Images





FIFA President Sepp Blatter said in May that awarding the World Cup to Qatar, where temperatures routinely rise over 40 degrees Celsius during the summer, was a "mistake" and the tournament would probably have to be held in the European winter.

Despite Zwanziger's concerns, Qatar 2022 chief executive Hassan Al Thawadi remained defiant when asked by Die Welt if he feared losing the World Cup.

"No, I do not have any fear," he said.

"First of all there is no basis to lose it and secondly it is the first ever World Cup in the Middle East.

"The World Cup is a platform to bring people together.

"It will leave behind a positive legacy.

"So yes, I am sure that the World Cup will take place in Qatar."

When contacted by insidethegames regarding Zwanziger's comments, a FIFA spokesperson said: "These were personal remarks by Theo Zwanziger as he stressed himself and we do not comment on personal statements."

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