BERLIN (AP) Franz Beckenbauer says the 2022 World Cup in Qatar should be played in January and February, when the temperatures in the Gulf state are more moderate.

The German soccer great and FIFA executive committee member says it would be possible to make a one-time change to European league fixtures to allow for the World Cup to be played in winter.

Such a solution would mean a break in the European leagues.

Beckenbauer tells Bild newspaper this would be a cheaper solution than air conditioning all stadiums.