Football fans will have to adjust to more than just the sweltering desert heat when the 2022 World Cup event goes to the Middle East.

FIFA President Sepp Blatter says gay supporters should not have sex in Qatar, as homosexuality is banned in the Gulf State.

Anti-discrimination ... FIFA President Sepp Blatter. Credit:Reuters

Asked whether gays and lesbians should worry about attending the tournament because of the Middle Eastern country's hostile attitude towards homosexuality, Blatter quipped: "They should refrain from any sexual activities."

But Blatter hopes there will be an "opening" of the Islamic culture for World Cup.