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FIFA decides it's too hot to play 2021 Confederations Cup in Qatar

Arnd Wiegmann / Reuters

The Confederations Cup won't receive the same special treatment FIFA is giving the World Cup, as the governing body has decided to strip Qatar of the tournament due to climate concerns.

FIFA cited player safety in the extreme summer heat as its main concern and reason for moving the 2021 Confederations Cup away from the Middle Eastern country.

Jerome Valcke, FIFA secretary general, made the announcement Wednesday during a news conference to defend the organization's proposal to change the date of the 2022 World Cup.

Valcke also revealed that an Asian country will host the tournament, but it's not known when a country will be selected to host the competition, which normally acts as a dress rehearsal leading up to the World Cup.

It's also unclear how the tournament will be formatted. It traditionally includes the upcoming host of the World Cup in a contest that features the World Cup holders, along with champions from FIFA's six confederations.

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