Artificial Cloud Suggested as Way to Cool the FIFA Stadium in 2022.

Very short clip; but, shows exactly how this is designed to work. Video courtesy: youtube.com

The fierce summer heat in the Gulf has led to concerns about conditions for players and fans at the tournament. Temperatures in June and July can soar up to 50C (122F). I'm not sure how anything can live in these temperatures; let alone, move and play football.

Deaths at these temperatures happen to locals who know better than to move during these times. Those players who are not used to these temperatures face an even greater challenge.

Qatar was announced as host in December. Fifa president, Sepp Blatter, initially said he expected the games to be moved to winter when the temperatures would be more tolerable. But Blatter has since stated he feels the tournament will go ahead as planned in the summer months. This seems incredibly strange since I would think that the health, safety and comfort of both players and fans alike would dictate a move to the winter months.

Qatar plans to air-condition their World Cup stadium via solar power, and now scientists have designed the 'clouds', which can be produced at a cost of $500,000 (about £310,000) each.

Saud Abdul Ghani, head of the mechanical and industrial engineering department at the university, said the 'clouds' are made from a lightweight carbon structure, and carry a giant envelope of material containing helium gas. Four solar-powered engines move the structure via remote control. This gives the 'cloud' the ability to adjust to the sun's movements and provide shade no matter what time of day it is.

Qatari president of the Asian Football Confederation Mohammed Bin Hammam, who will stand against Blatter for the Fifa presidency in June, has said his country is "well equipped to challenge the summer heat".

But global players' football union FIFPro backed a switch to winter, saying the Gulf country "does not provide suitable conditions for a festival of football such as the World Cup".

Qatar beat Australia, Japan, South Korea and the United States to host the tournament in the vote held by Fifa's executive committee on December 2, 2010 in Zurich.