FIFA finalise 2022 SWC dates

Zurich - The final of the controversial Qatar 2022 World Cup is to be held on December 18, FIFA spokesman Walter di Gregorio said Thursday in Zurich.

The FIFA Executive Committee on Thursday launched its sessions to set the dates for the tournament. Di Gregorio also said the tournament is set to last 28 days.

December 18 was regarded as the preferred date for the final for FIFA president Joseph Blatter.

FIFA's task force recommended that the tournament be held between late November and late December.

This is set to be the first time in World Cup history, since the 1930s, when the tournament does not take place in the European summer.