But the stadiums in Qatar will probably be full most of the time. However, the circumstances of the trips and the strict rules in the World Cup country worry fan representatives.
Are there still tickets for World Cup games?
The organizers announced in mid-October that almost 2.9 million tickets for the 64 games had been sold. This means that around seven percent of the spectator seats are still available, it said. The last minute sales phase is currently running and will be open until the end of the tournament. According to FIFA, the tickets will be allocated on a first come, first serve basis.
What do you have to consider when you arrive?
During the World Cup, foreigners can only enter Qatar with the so-called Hayya Card. This “Fan ID” is only available to holders of World Cup tickets. For a fee of 140 euros each, fans can register up to three more people with a Hayya card, who can later travel to Qatar. The Hayya Card must be presented with the ticket when visiting the stadium. However, data protectionists are critical of the smartphone app and advise using a second cell phone if possible.
Why don’t many fans stay overnight in World Cup country?
Qatar expects 1.2 million international guests during the World Cup. In the small emirate, the hotel capacities are not sufficient for this, the room prices often shot up enormously. Hotel ships or tent camps only partially remedy the situation and are not really cheap either. Therefore, fans switch to surrounding countries such as Dubai, Bahrain or Oman.
What rules of conduct apply to fans at the World Cup?
Qatar is a conservative country with a law shaped by Islamic moral concepts. The German Foreign Office advises a certain level of restraint when it comes to clothing. Kissing in public is frowned upon. The serving of alcohol is severely restricted, it may not be brought from abroad. For heavily intoxicated fans, there are said to be separate zones for sobering up. Getting drunk in public is illegal in Qatar.
How risky is a World Cup trip for queer fans?
Recently, statements by a Qatari World Cup ambassador that being gay is “mentally damaging” caused a stir. In Qatar, homosexuality is forbidden by law. The hosts and FIFA have repeatedly assured that all fans are welcome during the World Cup. Human rights organizations nevertheless advise homosexual fans not to travel to Qatar.
What about the fans organized by the World Cup hosts?
According to the media, the organizing committee pays selected fans to travel to the tournament so that they can create a good atmosphere there and on social networks. Flights, accommodation and pocket money are therefore included for participants in the “Fan Leader Network”. German fans are also among them, as the DFB of the “Sportschau” confirmed. Accordingly, these activities are not supported by the association. In addition, videos recently caused a stir on the Internet, which allegedly show happy people in jerseys from different national teams parading through Doha. Some observers criticized the images as a crudely staged attempt to create the appearance of great anticipation among fans in Qatar ahead of the World Cup.
Source: Nachrichten
I am Pierce Boyd, a driven and ambitious professional working in the news industry. I have been writing for 24 Hours Worlds for over five years, specializing in sports section coverage. During my tenure at the publication, I have built an impressive portfolio of articles that has earned me a reputation as an experienced journalist and content creator.
