The 2022 FIFA World Cup kicks off in Qatar on November 20, when the hosts will face Ecuador in the opening match at Al Bayt Stadium.
However, the festival gained a lot of attention even before the dance was introduced to the Middle East, with Qatar being the first Arab state to host the tournament.
Following FIFA’s decision to grant Qatar the status of host in 2010, festival officials developed a detailed plan to facilitate the tournament’s arrival, focusing on local legislation that enthusiasts around the world will want to respect during their stay.
Fans will need to be wary of regulations related to alcohol, sex, COVID-19 quarantine and LGBTQ rights, all of which will be strictly enforced ahead of the big kickoff.
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Guidance regarding enthusiasts traveling to Qatar has been transparent from foreign governments, with express rules put in place to highlight potential cultural and legal differences.
Official rules from U. S. authorities, for example, offer enthusiasts who adhere to the USMNT a review of what to avoid in Qatar to avoid a potential violation of the law, adding recommendations from businesses on drug use, importing limited goods, drinking alcohol, and dressing code
How Qatar intends to balance its legislation on the sale and consumption of alcohol posed a challenge for the local government in the face of competition.
Local legislation and customs reflect the fact that Qatar is an Islamic country, and the government reminds enthusiasts to respect regulations at all times and that their movements are not offensive.
The rules that alcohol should only be offered to visitors over the age of 21 in licensed hotels, bars and restaurants will remain in place and there is strict legislation prohibiting bringing alcohol into the country and drinking it in a public place.
FIFA had shown in the past that holders of priced tickets for World Cup matches would be allowed to buy and drink alcohol in “selected areas” within the perimeter of the stadium before and after matches.
However, on Nov. 18, FIFA reversed course on the resolution with a new one after it was allegedly asked by Qatar’s Al Thani royal family to review the alcohol policy in stadiums.
FIFA said: “Following discussions between the host country government and FIFA, a resolution has been taken for the sale of alcoholic beverages at the FIFA Fan Festival, other fan destinations and approved venues, cutting off beer outlets at the 2022 FIFA World Cup stadium. in Qatar. Perimeters.
“There is no effect on the sale of Bud Zero, which will be available in all World Cup stadiums in Qatar.
“The host country government and FIFA will continue to work to ensure that stadiums and their landscapes provide a fun, respectful and fun experience for all fans.
“The tournament organisers appreciate AB InBev’s understanding and continued support of our shared commitment to fulfilling everyone’s wishes at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. “
Budweiser, the tournament’s official sponsor, made its excitement about the situation transparent, tweeting, “Well, it’s embarrassing. . . “before deleting it.
Fans will be able to purchase and consume alcohol at the FIFA Fans’ Festival at Al Bidda Park in Doha after 6:30 p. m. time.
However, most of the easing of regulations only affects enthusiasts with official tickets, and Qatari law will not allow outdoor drinking in pre-approved areas.
Qatar announced on Oct. 26 that it would update its national COVID-19-related regulations ahead of the tournament.
The most recent regulations mean that visitors are no longer required to present negative tests at the entrance. The Qatari government also removed the requirement for visitors to download Qatar’s official touch tracking app, Ehteraz, on a virtual device before leaving their accommodation.
Previously, visitors had to show their vaccination prestige on the Ehteraz app to enter as many public places as possible, with the possibility of being limited to certain places. The app will now only be required for healthcare facilities.
Wearing a mask is no longer a legal requirement in public places, and the most recent announcement removes the requirement to wear a mask on the subway. Now only blankets are needed in health care facilities and in some offices.
Laws regarding sex and non-marital relationships will be enforced at the World Cup, Qatari officials confirmed.
Any act deemed “excessively intimate” by the government, between men and in public, can result in an arrest.
Living together without being married is banned in Qatar (with exemptions in place for hotel stays, meaning most World Cup enthusiasts shouldn’t have any challenges) and sex outside of marriage, whether they are same-sex or opposite-sex couples. . is illegal.
Violation of these provisions may result in fines, imprisonment and expulsion of visitors.
Qatar’s LGBTQ rights have attracted foreign attention and been condemned in the run-up to the World Cup’s arrival in the Middle East.
Homosexuality is illegal in Qatar and the government has reaffirmed its position that intimacy between other people in public is offensive, regardless of gender, sexual orientation or intent.
The official line focuses primarily on public presentations of sexuality, but local customs related to LGBTQ rights and freedoms are severely restricted.
World Cup officials are under pressure to allow anyone, regardless of sexual orientation, to participate “without fear of retaliation of any kind. “However, any form of protest, particularly opposed to Qatar’s LGBTQ stance, will most likely be viewed negatively by local authorities.