Qatar, FIFA look at scrapping 4 of 12 WC stadiums

DOHA, Qatar (AP) — Qatar World Cup organizers are discussing with FIFA whether to scrap plans to build four of its 12 stadiums for the 2022 tournament.

The Qataris say the decision to explore if the competition can be staged with just eight venues is due to the "size of our country."

The organizing committee will submit a proposal to FIFA by December that still ensures "a suitable legacy for the country." FIFA's executive committee will wait until March before telling Qatar how many stadiums are required.

Reducing the number of stadiums would provide fewer construction sites to be scrutinized by rights group, who have raised concerns over conditions for migrant workers in Qatar.

Opting for 12 stadiums in Brazil has stretched organizers to their limits to be ready for the World Cup kickoff in June.