World Cup fans’ latest complaint is that the stadiums are too COLD: Jumper-clad supporters say Qatari hosts have overdone the air conditioning
- Chilly air conditioning in the Qatari stadiums has left fans reaching for jumpers
- There were initial fears the harsh heat would be an issue for the World Cup
- Fans are now complaining that it is too cold with temperatures dropping to 19C
It may be the first World Cup held in a sweltering desert but shivering fans are complaining the stadiums are too cold.
Huge air conditioning funnels are sending icy blasts around the stands.
Stung by sceptics who feared footballers would wilt under the harsh Middle Eastern sun, Qatar has spent millions chilling its eight stadiums.
But fans said the hosts had gone too far, especially during evening games when the desert temperature drops from 30C (86F) to around 19C (66F).
Some England fans at the team’s opener against Iran could be seen pulling on jumpers.
Chilly football fans have been complaining that the air conditioned stadiums in Qatar are ‘too cold’, with fans at the England against Iran match earlier this week seen grabbing jumpers and even putting on coats
Even a local, Qatari fan Faisal Rasheed, 40, had to wear his maroon sweatshirt, the colour of his nation’s flag. He said: ‘Actually it is too cold.’
Mario Sanchez, 33, a fan from Chicago, in the US, He said: ‘It actually feels kind of cold, but that’s because it’s really windy.’
When Qatar was awarded the right to stage the World Cup, there was consternation at the idea of the tournament being played in summer temperatures in the Gulf state which can reach 50C (122F).
Stung by sceptics who feared footballers would wilt under the harsh Middle Eastern sun, Qatar has spent millions chilling its eight stadiums. A family at the Khalifa International Stadium seen wearing jumpers
Even after the authorities pushed back the date to make it the first ever winter World Cup, organisers pledged to make the pitches cool enough for the players.
The stadiums have been fitted with nozzles placed under seats and giant air vents at the top of the stands.
Saud Abdul Ghani – an engineer from Qatar University nicknamed ‘Dr Cool’ after he worked for 13 years on the solar-powered cooling system – said the heat had to be offset to avoid fans dehydrating through sweating too much.
England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, however, said the conditions were just right for the players on the pitch. He added: ”I think it was cold in the stand. But as players it was the perfect temperature for us. With the air con system in place it’s very good’
But supporters said his technology was working too well.
However England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford said the conditions were just right for the players on the pitch.
He said: ‘I think it was cold in the stand. But as players it was the perfect temperature for us. With the air con system in place it’s very good.’
