The FIFA taskforce, set up to investigate whether the tournament should be moved from its traditional June and July date because of the hot temperatures in Qatar at that time of the year, is believed to favoured moving the event to January and February in 2022 following a meeting in Zurich today. 

That would clash directly with that year's Winter Olympics, which will be held in either Almaty or Beijing. 

But Bach, who delivered a key-note speech here at the SportAccord IF Forum, claimed he remained confident that FIFA President Sepp Blatter will keep his promise.

"I have not heard about this but I am confident that the Winter Olympics and World Cup will not clash," he told insidethegames.

The other dates being considered by the taskforce following its meeting are November and December 2022, which is favoured by Blatter.

But Europe's top clubs, including those who play in the English Premier League, have asked FIFA to also consider May, despite the heat at that time of year.

"We are getting closer to narrowing the dates for the FIFA World Cup to two options - January/February 2022 or November/December 2022 - but FIFA has also been asked to consider May 2022," FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke said.

"We will summarise what we've heard today and provide feedback to all parties in order for them to prepare for the next meeting as we progress towards a final decision."

FIFA chief medical officer Jiri Dvorak has warned that players will be at risk if the 2022 World Cup is held in Qatar during the summer ©Getty Images

A winter World Cup now seems inevitable, especially following a presentation to the taskforce by FIFA's chief medical officer, Professor Jiri Dvorak.

He warned there was a "highly critical risk" to players, officials and fans if it took place between June and August, and a borderline risk between May and September.

"What I have said is that for the players, the accompanying staff and the fans the months June till August are highly critical in terms of risk, due to the climatic conditions in Qatar," he told the taskforce.

"In May and September it is borderline when it comes to the temperature of high risk but from the medical point of view it is not recommended."

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