Why Qatar decision must wait

In the aftermath of FIFA’s decision to award the 2022 World Cup to Qatar, my only public comment was that: “I do not believe we have heard the last word on this decision.”

In the aftermath of FIFA-s decision to award the 2022 World Cup to Qatar, my only public comment was that: “I do not believe we have heard the last word on this decision.” I believed there was more to this story to unfold.

Now the time to write the next chapter has arrived, but it shouldn-t be done in a hurry. FIFA should take its time to hear the full story and consider the enormous implications.

The idea to move the 2022 World Cup from a northern hemisphere summer to winter to avoid the Qatari heat will go before the FIFA Executive Committee on 3 October.

My fear is that FIFA could make a bad situation worse by hastily changing one of the most significant and controversial decisions it-s ever taken.

Australia, like the other bidding nations, was required by FIFA-s own rules to pitch for a World Cup in the June and July window.

Changing the dates is tantamount to changing the rules after the contest is over. If that happens, compensation should be paid to those nations that invested many millions, and national prestige, in bidding for a summer event.

Moving the 2022 World Cup into a November through January window will affect many leagues around the world, including Australia-s Hyundai A-League. Again, the question of compensation arises. Most of all, the next chapter of this story should include the findings of the inquiry by the investigative chamber of FIFA-s Ethics Committee, chaired by Mr Michael Garcia.

If Garcia were to cast doubt on the 2022 bid process, imagine the chaos and uncertainty that would follow if FIFA had already moved the dates and closed the book.

Our nation invested heavily in the bid for 2022. The entire country got behind it and was bitterly disappointed at the result.

Australia has waited patiently for this story to reach its conclusion. We can wait a little longer to allow the full ramifications of any change in the timing of the World Cup to be known. It-s the least FIFA can do.