Blatter ended speculation immediately at the start of his press conference following the conclusion of the two-day meeting of FIFA's ruling Executive Committee in Zurich.

"I thank you for your interest. Qatar will be played in 2022," he told the audience.

"I do not know if it will be winter or summer."

Blatter had already revealed on Twitter what decision had been reached.

"The Executive Committee decided to launch a consultation process among main stakeholders for Qatar 2022 dates," Blatter Tweeted.

"No decision will be taken before 2014 WC [World Cup]".

This new Commission, headed by Asian Football Confederation President Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim al-Khalifa, looks to be the first step in moving the Qatar World Cup to the winter.

The decision to hold the World Cup in Qatar has been clouded in much controversy with concerns being raised over the high temperatures found in the Arabian summer.

Stadiums in Qatar to have 'air cooling technology' in order to battle the searing heat




















Qatar was awarded the right to host the World Cup back in December 2010, a decision based on the air-cooling technology promised in each venue.

Despite assurances from Qatar that this technology would be effective, concerns have been raised over the health of players and spectators in such searing summer heat.

These concerns prompted the FIFA President to announce that the World Cup be switched to a cooler time of year.

But this announcement was met by fierce opposition due to clashes with other sporting events, including the Winter Olympics, Champions League, and Superbowl. 

The Association of European Professional Football Leagues (EPFL) and The European Club Association (ECA), which between them represent the top leagues and top clubs, have each welcomed FIFA's decision to postpone and consult further over Qatar. 

ECA Chairman, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, stated: "I welcome the decision of FIFA and Sepp Blatter to take the time to conduct a consultation process involving all stakeholders concerned and discuss the date for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar."

EPFL Chairman Frédéric Thiriez stated, "We are pleased that FIFA President and FIFA Executive Committee took into consideration our position for this delicate matter.

"This is positive for the European Leagues and the whole football family."

Also on discussion at the Conference today was the reported mistreatment of migrant workers in Qatar. 

Blatter announced that he would visit Qatar to meet with the new Emir to "confirm" the World Cup and also raise this issue of mistreatment.

"I will go with a delegation in the name of the ExCo of FIFA for a courtesy visit but it is also a visit to confirm the World Cup 2022.

"But I will also touch on this concern which concerns many people in the world and that is the working conditions in that country but we can't be the ones who can change it.

"It is a responsibility not only for Qatar but the construction companies, and there are many European companies working there. We cannot turn a blind eye but we cannot make a direct intervention - but the Qatar government have confirmed they will do so."

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