By Husna Muhdhar,
Single football fans looking to attend the World Cup 2022 in Qatar, hoping for romance and one night extravaganzas may have to think twice, as those caught being intimate with anyone other than their spouses could face a seven-year prison sentence.
At this year’s World Cup, rambunctious football fans have been cautioned that one-night stands, might result in doing time in prison.
Local authorities expect the only action during the World Cup to be on the field, with frolicking and public display of affection also frowned upon.
The event, which begins in November, has an explicit ban on boozy bunk-ups, with FIFA authorities stating that “no exceptions” will be made.
The idea of British fans facing hefty penalties for “doing everyday things accepted during and after games” is causing concern among UK law enforcement.
“Sex is very much off the menu, unless you are going as a husband and wife combination,” a police source confirmed.
“There will be no partying at all really. Everyone needs to keep their heads about them, unless they want to risk being stuck in prison.
“There is essentially a sex ban in place at this year’s World Cup for the first time ever. Fans need to be prepared.”
In Qatar, where the event will be hosted, sex outside of marriage and same sex marriage are both prohibited, with each carrying a hefty prison term.
Many have questioned the World Cup being held in Qatar and although FIFA has stated that “all are welcome” to attend the event, there is rising fear this is not the reality.
“The safety and security of every single fan is of the utmost concern to us,” said Nasser al-Khater, the chief executive of the FIFA 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
“But public displays of affection are frowned upon, it’s not part of our culture – and that goes across the board to everybody.”
The Supreme Committee for the Delivery of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar also issued a warning about the stringent regulations in place.
“Qatar is a conservative country and public displays of affection are frowned upon regardless of sexual orientation,” it stated in a statement.
The Qatar Football Association’s General Secretary, Mansoor Al Ansari, stated the organization was considering banning rainbow flags from games.
“You want to demonstrate your view about the LGBTQ+ then demonstrate it in a society where it will be accepted,” he continued.
Flings outside of marriage are illegal in the austere Middle Eastern country – and the restrictions will be strictly enforced.
This will be the first World Cup to be held in the Arab world and will be the last tournament to feature 32 teams, with 48 teams to be included from 2026 onwards.
Due to the extreme heat in Qatar during the summer, the World Cup will be held from November 21 to December 18, 2022, making it the first tournament not to be hosted in May, June, or July; it will be played over a shorter period of time, roughly 28 days.
The tournament will begin with a match between Senegal and the Netherlands at Al Thumama Stadium in Doha.
The final will take place on December 18, 2022, which also happens to be Qatar National Day.
