The most senior Olympic winter sports official sees a threat in FIFA choosing November for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar even if the proposed date avoids a clash with the Winter Games.
Rene Fasel, who heads the Association of International Olympic Winter Sports Federations (AIOWF), told The Associated Press on Monday that scheduling football's marquee tournament in November would clash with events for all seven of his members.
"November is the start of the season for maybe, I would say, all the other federations," said Fasel, an IOC executive board member and president of ice hockey's governing body. "For sure, we have to put up the flag and say, 'Hey guys, be careful.'"
Senior officials from the seven Winter Olympics federations representing biathlon, bobsled, curling, ice hockey, luge, skiing and skating are meeting this week, and will discuss the International Ski Federation's proposal for a united stand against FIFA moving the World Cup into the traditional winter sports season.
"We should really clearly show our position and protect our own interests," Fasel said in an interview.