Since the Associated Press broke the news that Qatar wants to propose a 29-day FIFA World Cup 2022, rather than the long-planned 28-day tournament, it has taken the world by shock. The FIFA World Cup is one of the most followed sporting events in the world and the 2022 edition will also be the first time it is being held at the end of the year.

According to the AP, Qatar wants to begin the FIFA World Cup 2022 a day earlier, with the match between the hosts and South American side Ecuador. While the notion does not seem problematic, the fact remains that the tournament was earlier planned to begin on Monday, November 21.

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However, Qatar wants to begin the tournament on Sunday and the notion is also being favoured by the country’s officials as well as CONMEBOL, the South American governing body of football. But the question remains, what is the reason behind the proposal? Let’s find out.

Sunday start for a World Cup was ruled out several years ago when FIFA agreed to a 28-day schedule with four matches every day in the group stages. The decision was taken after FIFA held talks with the top leagues in Europe, where clubs play matches through November 13. However, a match between Qatar and Ecuador, which was earlier slated to be six hours after the opening match, does not have many players who are currently playing for European clubs. This will offer a day of exclusivity to the hosts in terms of revenue and popularity.

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The Opening Ceremony could also take place before the opening match at Al Bayt Stadium, followed by the initial opening game between the Netherlands and Senegal on Monday evening.

According to AP, the decision regarding changing the FIFA World Cup 2022 could be reached in a matter of days by a committee, which includes FIFA president Gianni Infantino and the presidents of six other continental governing organisations.