Ebbsfleet United chairman Dr Abdulla Al-Humaidi has backed calls for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar to be played in winter.

Football's governing body, FIFA, is expected to move the tournament from its regular slot in June and July because of the searing heat at that time of year.

FA chairman Greg Dyke has said the World Cup might have to be moved to another location, although Qatar chiefs insist they can host the tournament in summer

But Fleet owner Dr Al-Humaidi, who lives in Kuwait City, disagrees.

He said: "I think it’s impossible to be played in the summer months - not just in Qatar but all of the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) countries.

"The temperature there gets past 50 degrees Celsius.

"It’s impossible, even if you’re talking about closed grounds with air conditioning.

"People would have difficulty moving. Not me, but Europeans.

"It would be too hot.

"If it were to happen in Qatar, I think the only solution would be to move it to the winter months."

Dr Al-Humaidi, chief executive of the Kuwaiti European Holding Company, explained why their subsidiary KEH Sports decided to rescue Ebbsfleet from financial meltdown back in May.

"There are lots of business opportunities in the area generally," he said.

"In the next five to 10 years, there will be huge growth in the amount of housing here. I believe the club will benefit from a financial input."

And the Fleet chairman, who watched his first game on Tuesday night as Steve Brown's side lost 2-0 at home to Chelmsford, feels positive about the future.

Dr Al-Humaidi said: "I'm a football fan, and especially a fan of English football.

"I’m very proud to own the club, I look forward to continuing my support to this club and I'm hoping to make the club successful.

"The local council has been very helpful and very supportive of us. We look forward to working with them on several ends, including the football club."