Despite protests from soccer fans around the world, FIFA is remaining steadfast that the 2022 World Cup will be held in Qatar. Thursday saw President Sepp Blatter officially announce that the 2022 Final will be held on December 18, confirming that the tournament would be held in the winter.

One of the main concerns over Qatar hosting the World Cup was the weather, as temperatures in June & July (when the finals are usually staged) can get dangerously hot. Even with this latest decision, many European associations are still upset, with the tournament now scheduled to take place in the middle of most domestic seasons. The other major concern is the fact that many are upset that Qatar has not had its host status revoked, having been awarded the 2022 Cup in 2010. Complaints have also grown about the treatment of workers brought in from around Asia to build the stadiums, and working conditions that have resulted in many deaths.

One more factor to keep an eye on is the FIFA leadership going forward. Through the controversy, Blatter has remained defiant that Qatar will remain the host in 2022, but should he not win re-election in May, it may bring about a greater campaign to have the tournament relocated. The 79-year-old, who has been FIFA’s President since 1998, announced earlier this week that he would not take part in a televised debate with the other candidates; with two months to go before the election, it’ll be interesting to see what strategy he and his opponents adopt to win, or keep, office.

There are still more than seven years to go before the 2022 World Cup kicks off; will Qatar remain the host? Vote below!