If you are going to participate in the WC, it will be in your best interest to keep up to date with the rules. Like any sports tournament, there are rules and laws. And with the tournament being held in a Middle Eastern country, there are rules you may not be familiar with.
For example, it is usually illegal to drink alcohol in Qatar. However, the organizers of this great event are obliged to relax the rules for those who will be present. FIFA has been given the backing to hold the World Cup in Qatar. But organizers are trying to find common ground between lawmakers and fans.
2022 Qatar World Cup rules for fans
With that said, here’s everything you need to know about Qatar FIFA World Cup 2022: Rules for fans.
Qatar’s liquor laws will be relaxed for the World Cup. Fans will be able to buy and drink alcohol in designated fan zones and in stadiums. Qatar is a Muslim country. This means that alcohol can only be purchased by non-Muslim residents and visitors with a permit.
Additionally, it can only be purchased from licensed outlets and Qatar Airways serves alcohol on its flights. So what does this mean for fans who like to enjoy the beautiful game with a beer? You will be able to drink alcohol in fan cones and outside the stadiums. However, consumption inside the stadium is prohibited.
What happens if a supporter gets too drunk? The World Cup boss, Nasser Al Khater, has promised to include full fans in their tournament plans. He promised to take the fans to ‘safe rooms’ to allow them to sober up for their safety.
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to rage, Qatar has taken extra precautions. Remember that Qatar was one of the first countries to receive the Pfizer vaccine.
The Middle Eastern country also ensures that all visitors have travel insurance that covers COVID-19. It has also set up quarantine and testing facilities for those who need it.
There are a number of regulations in Qatar regarding smoking. These are particularly relevant for fans attending the 2022 World Cup. Firstly, it is illegal to smoke in public places.
This includes restaurants, bars, shopping centers and other indoor spaces. In addition, there are strict laws regarding the sale and purchase of tobacco products such as cigarettes and e-cigarettes.
This is largely due to the fact that Qatar is a relatively small country with a high population density. Given this, there is a significant risk of secondhand smoke for non-smokers in these crowded spaces.
As such, smokers should be aware of their surroundings at all times when in Qatar and should avoid lighting up if they are near people who may be affected by their smoke.
In addition to these general rules about smoking in public places, there are also specific restrictions on where smokers can light up during the World Cup. For example, outdoor areas such as stadiums or train stations will have designated “smoking zones”.
Fans may legally smoke in these areas without incurring fines or other penalties. There may be additional restrictions on smoking during matches or other events organized as part of the tournament.
Clothing and dress codes in Qatar are strictly regulated and enforced. This is especially strict when it comes to beachwear and dressing in public spaces. This includes wearing loose clothing that covers both shoulders and knees. The same goes for appropriate footwear such as sneakers or sandals.
Swimwear is generally only allowed on beaches designated specifically for swimming, while other beach areas require visitors to wear modest clothing more suitable for relaxation and socializing.
Football fans who enjoy taking their shirts off during the match will be disappointed to learn that this is prohibited. The rules do not allow fans to take off their football shirts and jerseys inside the stadium or out on the street.
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Public expressions of love
Public displays of affection are generally not allowed in Qatar. This applies especially to public places such as beaches and parks. This is because the country is a conservative society that places great emphasis on maintaining traditional values.
However, this does not mean that there are no opportunities for couples or lovers to show their affection for each other in Qatar. For example, many restaurants and cafes in Qatar now have designated “couple tables”. This offers an intimate setting for couples to enjoy their meals and spend time together away from prying eyes.
It is important for World Cup fans traveling to Qatar to be aware of the restrictions on public displays of affection. You can face heavy fines or even jail time if you are caught engaging in PDA.
Remember, Qatar is big on cohabitation between married couples. However, the authorities have confirmed that unmarried friends of the opposite sex can stay together in hotel rooms.
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Sexual orientation and the LGBTQ community
Qatar FIFA World Cup 2022 will be the first World Cup to be held in an Arab country. Qatar is not the most welcoming country when it comes to the LGBTQ community. The country’s laws state that homosexuality can be punished by whipping, imprisonment or even death.
But when Qatar’s World Cup boss, Nassar Al Khater, stated that LGBTQ fans are welcome to attend the tournament. In his own words, the boss stated that they would feel safe and welcome in the country as they supported their team.
The Hayya card is an essential tool for football fans visiting Qatar for the World Cup. This card acts as a travel passport, allowing fans free access to public transport and access to stadiums.
This is a mandatory card for ticket holders. This means that you cannot apply for this card without a valid match ticket. The card can be acquired by visitors either online or in person.
Conclusion
Overall, it is important for soccer fans attending the World Cup in Qatar to be aware of the local laws. This will allow them to stay out of trouble while enjoying all the excitement that the tournament has to offer.