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Michael Palmer, of FIFA
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August 04, 2006, 12:00
The harsh weather conditions currently being experienced in South Africa have raised doubts over whether mid-winter is the best time to hold a Soccer World Cup in South Africa. However, the chances that FIFA will change the dates are slim.
The recent World Cup in Germany has been hailed as a massive success, partly due to hot summer temperatures with late sunsets allowing spectators to enjoy the event even more. This has raised speculation that the dates for 2010 might be shifted from June/July to September, but it won't be easy.
Michael Palmer, of FIFA, said: "The main reason is that traditionally that's the date it holds on the calender but of course traditions are there to be broken from time to time."
If the dates are changed, it would mean that all the worldwide league games and knock out competitions, as well as popular competitions like the European Champions League and the Uefa Cup, would have to be moved. Difficult, as Palmer said, but not impossible.
If the local organising committee can come up with a compelling reason to shift the dates, FIFA will consider it.
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