As per the sources, the argument started after Qatar was chosen to host the 2022 World Cup. Since then, Qatar has been under fire for everything from human rights abuses to workplace fatalities while building stadiums for the World Cup.
Although they have denied these claims, research revealed that since FIFA awarded the competition to Qatar in 2010, a total of 6,500 migrant laborers from India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka had perished in Qatar.
Numerous football players and other public figures have boycotted the 2022 World Cup in protest of the horrors committed by Qatar, which have been consistently documented by human rights activists, trade unions, and the media.
Despite these issues, Qatar was granted permission to host. Additionally, it was found that bribes were exchanged between FIFA officials and members and the Qatar bid committee. Since that time, a few FIFA officials have expressed regret over their choice to allow Qatar to host the biggest athletic event in the world, including Theo Zwanziger and former president Sepp Blatter in 2010.
Here are some guidelines for football fans traveling to Qatar this winter now that it has been selected as the venue for the FIFA World Cup 2022.
Rules issued by Qatar Government:
Qatar entry
Only visitors with a Hayya fan card and a match ticket are permitted entry into Qatar, which expects at least one million tourists during the World Cup. Three guests may be invited by each ticket holder, but they must each pay an entrance fee of 500 riyals ($140).
Fans must register online for the Hayya card, which serves as a visa, match ticket, free pass for transportation, and emergency medical treatment, once they have purchased a match ticket and made lodging arrangements.
LGBTQIA Debate
The maltreatment of homosexuals in Qatar has drawn criticism from the media and sports experts. According to the sources, there have been allegations that LGBTQIA people have experienced abusive treatment while incarcerated and have even spent seven years behind bars.
Even “medical screening tests” were implemented in Qatar to “detect” gay people and prevent their entry. However, Qatar has revoked their restrictions and announced they will adhere to FIFA standards to promote tolerance of rainbow flags in stadiums in response to mounting media and player pressure. LGBTQIA individuals will not be prohibited, according to Football Association CEO Mark Bullingham’s statement on September 21.
Alcohol law
Because their legal system is founded on Sharia, Hassan Abdulla al Thawadi, chief executive of Qatar’s 2022 World Cup bid, stated that drinking in public places is not permitted. However, areas, where supporters can consume alcohol, will be built. Alcohol and other beverages may be brought into the stadium by fans, but they may not be purchased there.
Rules for Clothes
Football fans are free to dress however they choose, but they are not permitted to take off their clothing within the stadium. Fans will need to cover their knees and shoulders when going into public places like government offices or museums.
Empathetic gestures in public and photos
Visitors to the event have been asked to abide by the laws because public displays of affection are forbidden across Qatar. While before taking any pictures or making any videos, fans should obtain permission. They should also be informed that it is forbidden to take photos of any government-related objects.
Transport
The first two weeks of the World Cup will see the most spectators in attendance, and the Qatari government has warned that “congestion” is inevitable during those times. They urge people to take cabs and the public transportation system. Except on Friday, when it starts at 9.00 am, the metro, which has stops at five of the eight stadiums, will be open daily from 6 am to 3 am.
To transport spectators to stadiums, fan zones, and the two international airports, more than 3,000 additional buses have been brought in. Other roads will be restricted, and the main Corniche highway along the coast will be shut down. Unauthorized use of restricted roads can result in a 500 riyal ($140) fine.
Pandemic
Although the coronavirus vaccine is not required for travel to Qatar, everyone over the age of six must have a negative PCR test within 48 hours or a positive fast antigen test within 24 hours. Adults are obligated to download the Ehteraz health app and present it as needed.
For ten days following their arrival, guests without a vaccination are required to wear a mask. A five-day isolation period is required for anyone who tests positive for Covid-19. In hospitals and stadiums, masks are required and advised.
