As the 2022 FIFA World Cup kicks off today (Sunday) there are key legal issues fans should take into account while in Qatar, Express Sport reports.
This became imperative in order to reduce all risk of fans falling foul to Qatar’s punishments which include lengthy jail sentences.
And one of such is alcohol whose sale has been one of the most contentious issues surrounding the tournament. And Qatari have agreed to relax the country’s strict laws on where it can be sold for the duration of the World Cup.
Fans can buy drinks in fan zones and select hotels but have reigned in on earlier promises to have it available in the vicinity of stadiums after the royal family intervened.
Supporters will be restricted to just four drinks and it will come at a considerable cost, with 500ml of Budweiser setting you back £12. You must be at least 21 years old to purchase in any of the licensed venues.
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Drinking in public outside the permitted areas can come at a cost, as can public drunkness. The acts are punishable by a £700 fine or six months in prison.
And on Friday FIFA confirmed that no alcohol will be sold at the eight stadiums which will host the tournament’s 64 matches.
A statement released by FIFA read:”Following discussions between host country authorities and FIFA, a decision has been made to focus the sale of alcoholic beverages on the FIFA Fan Festival, other fan destinations and licensed venues, removing sales points of beer from Qatar’s FIFA World Cup 2022 stadium perimeter.”
The issue of homosexuality is another which has been debated upon in the build up to the commencement of the World Cup.
Qatar’s record on LGBTQ+ rights has been one of the major controversial issues about the tournament with homosexuality banned and punishable by three years in prison.
World Cup organisers have said everyone will be welcome at the event but have discouraged public displays of affection.
Rainbow flags could also be confiscated from supporters under the claim that it would protect people from anti-LGBTQ+ violence.
And other things to consider is protests, fighting and disorderly behaviour can also be punished by law, with punishments including jail time and fines.
Meanwhile, the 2022 World Cup will see host Qatar take on Ecuador in the opening match in Group A.
