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Qatar’S status as 2022 World Cup hosts has been challenged by former FA chairman David Bernstein.

FIFA President Sepp Blatter last week ­admitted it was a ­mistake to award a ­summer event to the desert state – which led to controversial plans for the country to switch the 2022­ ­tournament to the ­winter.

Bernstein shares concerns over the heat in Qatar during the ­summer, when temperatures can reach 50C – but he is also against a switch to winter.

“You can’t bid on one basis and then switch around without going through the bidding process again,” he said. “If the bid is deemed to be impossible, and unhealthy for fans, then I think the thing should be rebid for.

“Qatar should rebid for the tournament and let the United States and Australia – if they wish to – bid against them again.

“Bidding for a World Cup is a serious business. Lots of funds go into it, national prestige is at stake and people’s careers stand or fall by it.

“Everybody knew what the climate was like in Qatar – it wasn’t a secret that it’s hot. And yet the FIFA executive committee accepted the bid.

“On reflection, I think they feel they were mistaken.”

FIFA President Sepp Blatter (above) believes next month’s FIFA meeting in Zurich will approve the change to a winter tournament.

The Premier League, supported by many leading European clubs, oppose that switch.

Bernstein, who stepped down in July, said: “You can’t just arbitrarily change from summer to winter.

“Just to switch doesn’t seem like natural justice. It would have an adverse effect on the Premier League and other major leagues in Europe and not just for one season, but for the seasons either side.

“It will also affect the international programme.

“In fact, it would disrupt the whole calendar.”

Bernstein is backing Roy Hodgson, the man he appointed as England manager, to clinch qualification for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

The Three Lions beat Moldova 4-0 at Wembley on Friday, and now face a tough trip to Ukraine on Tuesday.

Bernstein said: “We definitely should qualify, and I strongly hope we do. I’d love to see Roy leading the squad in Brazil.

“But I’ve sat through enough of these matches now to know they’re not easy.

“It will be a hostile environment in Ukraine and, along with us, they are the best in the group.

“If we get a result there I’d be pretty confident we’ll qualify. But we need at least a draw.”

FYI: David Bernstein will be ­launching Four Four Jew: Football, Fans and Faith, which runs at the Jewish Museum London from October 10 this year to February 23, 2014.