What are the Qatar 2022 World Cup rules for fans? Alcohol, clothing, behaviour...

The FIFA World Cup is the greatest event in world football as countries from across the globe come together to compete for the biggest prize in the sport.

Inevitably with the competing national teams come their loyal and passionate fans, who tend to plan out their trips to the World Cup, months (and years) before the tournament. Their visits do not include only visits and tickets to their national team’s football matches but also have many tourist activities involved.

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With the primary difference being that the tournament is being played in the winter, there will also be numerous local laws and customs that visitors to the Gulf state should be familiar with, which they may not have experienced at previous major tournaments.

The vital information for visitors to Qatar

Alcohol

An area that has become increasingly controversial in the days before the tournament. The sale and consumption of alcohol is legal but highly restrained and regulated in Qatar. Alcohol will be served “in select areas within stadiums” (expensive hospitality suites) and, away from the games, in licensed hotel restaurants and bars. FIFA had stated that “ticket holders will have access to Budweiser, Budweiser Zero, and Coca-Cola products within the stadium perimeter at the Brand Activation Areas three hours prior to kick-off when the gates open and one hour after the final whistle”. However, Qatari officials decided to ban the sale and consumption of alcohol in the areas surrounding the stadiums just two days before the opening game between Qatar and Ecuador, which violates FIFA’s sponsorship agreement with Budweiser.

Qatari laws strictly emphasize that it is an offense to drink alcohol or be drunk in public. Foreigners have been incarcerated under this law, usually when they have come to the awareness of the police on a related matter, such as rowdy or offensive behavior.

Smoking

Smoking is legal in Qatar but is illegal in public spaces such as inside football stadiums and facilities. Smoking in public areas such as museums, shopping malls, and restaurants is also prohibited and punishable by a considerable fine. Smoking offenders can be punished with up to three months imprisonment and a fine of QAR 10,000 (around $2,800).

Dress code

Country visitors should wear attire modestly when in public, including while driving. Women must hide their shoulders and avoid sporting short skirts. Both men and women are instructed not to wear shorts or sleeveless tops when going to government buildings, healthcare facilities, or malls. If you do not dress modestly, you may be asked to leave or be denied entry to these locations.