When Qatar won the bid to host the 2022 World Cup, the extreme summer heat was an immediate concern. Average highs in Doha reach 41°C in June, and temperatures can approach 50°C. Fifa's own evaluation described a summer tournament as a 'high risk' health hazard.
To address this, Qatar promised advanced air-conditioning technology that would cool stadiums, training pitches, and fan zones to 23°C. A prototype, the Qatar Showcase, was built by British firm Arup to demonstrate the system. It used solar panels to power an absorption chiller that cooled water to 6°C, which was then used to cool air blown through the stadium. Perforated seats and a rotating canopy roof helped distribute the cool air.
Despite these plans, a Fifa taskforce has now recommended the tournament be held in November and December, citing the 'consistently hot conditions' in summer. This decision raises questions about the viability of the cooling technology, which was a key selling point during the bidding process.
Hassan Al Thawadi, head of the Qatar 2022 organising committee, insists the cooling technology will still be developed for legacy purposes. However, experts have long expressed scepticism. Architect John Barrow, involved in designing a World Cup venue, said the technology was 'not good from a long-term sustainability point of view'. Professor Graeme Maidment of London South Bank University noted that while the system is technically feasible, it would be 'very, very expensive' and challenging to achieve carbon neutrality when accounting for the production of all required equipment.
The decision to move the tournament to winter has thrown major European league seasons into chaos and adds to the controversies surrounding the event, including allegations of corruption and abuse of migrant workers.
