The biggest headline maker of 2010 was the World Cup. But despite a cavalcade of controversy in South Africa, the most debatable talking point was FIFA's decision to award the 2022 World Cup to Qatar earlier this month.

But now Sepp Blatter is doing the unthinkable. FIFA's president is contemplating a sensible idea -- moving the 2022 tournament to the winter.

Predictably, the European soccer powers have blasted the idea in the manner of the classic nor'easter that descended on New York City this week. A World Cup played in January or February would disrupt the traditional soccer calendar every bit as much as the blizzard upended New Yorkers' travel plans this holiday season. But it's not like the Qatar conundrum is suddenly barreling up the eastern seaboard; it's three World Cup cycles away.

One of FIFA's reasons for awarding two World Cups at once this time around, instead of just one as in years past, was the greater need for long-term planning in staging global events. Many conspiracy theories are floating around concerning the 2018 and 2022 World Cup bidding process, and whatever the merits or otherwise of those claims, here's a chance for FIFA to prove its point.

After watching way too many bland games at the World Cup in South Africa, where it was winter, but one that fell right on the heels of the long European season, too many players seemed to be carrying injuries and just plain old tired. (The physics-defying antics of the ball, terrible officiating and negative tactics didn't help either.) In light of the drab on-field South African experience, the prospect of a World Cup being played in a country where the summer temperatures are likely to be triple digits on the Fahrenheit scale doesn't sound particularly enticing. But the notion of a midseason World Cup played in state-of-the-art stadiums in warm weather and players in peak condition is an exciting prospect.

Putting the European season on hold for six weeks or so early in 2022 will undoubtedly pose many challenges to major European leagues, teams and players, but it could be just the catalyst the game needs to take a long hard look at the ridiculously long season that now burdens everyone. Would it hurt to skip the UEFA Europa League for a year or two? Does anyone in England really care about the Carling Cup? I think the current Champions League format is terrific, but perhaps for one year it could revert to its old European Cup system, where qualification is limited to only the respective league's actual champions.

Many federations and teams would take big financial hits in such scenarios, and FIFA would need to address that, but there doesn't seem to be a shortage of money in the Zurich corridors of power. Surely something could be worked out.

If the Qatar 2002 World Cup sparks a reexamination of the European soccer calendar, allows players to perform in peak physical condition and in weather conditions that make the tournament bearable for everyone, then we have a wonderful football carnival on the horizon as well as a much-needed revolution in the sport.

There are many hurdles to overcome, but remarkably, what once appeared to be one of FIFA's potentially dumbest moves ever could turn out to be one of its best.