Fifa announced yesterday that two options have emerged as the most likely dates for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar — and both are in the winter.

A meeting of a task force to look into the international calendar has identified January/February 2022 or November/December 2022 as the most likely options — meaning considerable disruption to the normal football season.

Fifa has been asked to consider May 2022 by the clubs however, despite concerns over the heat during that month.

Fifa secretary-general Jerome Valcke said in a statement: “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.

“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 added that Qatar 2022 chief executive Hassan Al Thawadi had stated that the “ideal situation” for the Middle East “for an all-inclusive World Cup would be for it to be held in the winter” although it was still open to the traditional June/July dates.

However, the clubs’ and leagues’ proposals may well founder on the fact that the build-up would clash with the month-long period of Ramadan.

The Fifa statement said: “Valcke also highlighted the fact that the month-long period of Ramadan would begin on 2 April in 2022, which would have an impact on a number of players in their preparations for any April/May option and with regard to the preparation of the event itself.”