The 2022 World Cup in Qatar will not be held in the summer, according to Fifa general secretary Jerome Valcke.
The scheduling of the tournament has been debated since it was controversially awarded to Qatar in December 2010.
Fears have been raised that the summer heat in the Gulf emirate would be dangerous for players and fans alike.
"The dates for the World Cup (in Qatar) will not be June-July," Valcke told Radio France.
"To be honest, I think it will be held between 15 November 15 and 15 January at the latest.
"If you play between 15 November and the end of December that's the time when the weather conditions are best, when you can play in temperatures equivalent to a warm spring season in Europe, averaging 25 degrees.
"That would be perfect for playing football."
