Oficial: Mundial de 2022 no Inverno

FIFA have confirmed a winter World Cup for 2022, starting on November 21.

There had been opposition from most European leagues including the Premier League, who rejected the idea that a winter tournament in Qatar would be workable or desirable.

However, president Sepp Blatter refused to alter the dates, to minimise the risk to players' and supporters' health given the searing temperatures in Qatar in the summer months.

Plans had initially suggested the final would take place on December 23 but Blatter didn't want the tournament to finish so close to Christmas - with the showpiece event now taking place on December 18.

That ensures the tournament lasts just 28 days - making it the shortest tournament since 1978.

The decision will have a huge impact on the Premier League, among other European leagues.

Between November 21 and December 18 this season, top-flight clubs are scheduled to play four rounds of fixtures, with another on December 19.

There are also two matchdays in the Champions League during that time frame and the fifth round of the Capital One Cup.

The announcement was made as FIFA cancelled a press conference with investigations continuing into the world governing body - and Qatar's bid to host the tournament.

Blatter had been due to speak for the first time since Secrtary General Jerome Valcke was placed on leave last week, amid accusations regarding ticket sales at the 2014 tournament.

An executive committee meeting concluded on Friday with the press conference expected to provide relative information.

Its planned venue of Tokyo has now also been changed to FIFA headquarters in Zurich.

A case suggested money laundering took place in the bidding processes for the 2018 and 2022 World Cup bids, with 14 officials arrested.

The Swiss announced in June that he would be resigning as president, although he denies any wrongdoing, with a replacement set to be brought in in January.