Less than two months from the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the organizing committee unveils the rules established by the country, the time of the competition, for accredited persons and supporters. These guidelines are enacted in a document called “Qatar – Do’s and Don’ts 2022”. Well, believe me, I’ve known musette balls in villages of 20 inhabitants in the depths of the Creuse much more fun than that!
1. Clothing rules
Both men and women will have to respect certain dress rules, namely: wear clothes covering the shoulders and knees. No short dresses or shorts, but long pants and skirts. Women will also need to cover their chest and neck. The veil is not compulsory, but the document stipulates that wearing it is “appreciated” for “integrate and respect the local culture and avoid unwanted attention. »… No comment on the last part of this sentence…
2. Contact with hostesses prohibited
There are fairly specific rules to govern social relations, especially with the fairer sex. Do not have physical contact with women, even to say hello. In this case, it is asked to greet them verbally, or to put your right hand on your heart.
3. It is recommended not to stare at a Qatari and to know some polite gestures
Staring at a Qatari is considered “rude and inappropriate”. In the same way, one never eats with his left hand, this one being reserved for personal hygiene. Same rule if you are offered something: you will have to grab it with your right hand. This hand is also used to serve and drink tea. Finally, we do not sit with our legs crossed: if the foot is pointing towards someone, this is interpreted as an insult.
4. We leave our jewelry at home
Only watches and wedding bands will be accepted. The rest is no. Any other jewelry is considered “inappropriate” by the document.
5. Ok for alcohol, but in moderation
Several things to note on this point! First, the consumption of alcohol in bars is conditional on a residence permit. The supporters will therefore have to make do with the refreshments in the “fan zones”. In the latter, beer will only be available between 6:30 p.m. and 1 a.m., and the capacity of these spaces will be reduced to 40,000 people. Alcohol cannot, however, enter the stadium. Finally, note that drinking alcohol or being drunk on public roads are offenses punishable by law in Qatar. We therefore avoid wiping ourselves too much if we do not want to end up at the police station.
6. Certain products will not be able to enter the territory
Good after, you still have to be a bit stupid to travel with drugs, regardless of the country of arrival. If you still try the adventure, be aware that Qatari law provides for up to the death penalty for traffickers and life imprisonment for consumers. Here, here. Up to you ! Among the foodstuffs to also remove from your suitcase: alcohol and pork products.
7. No one-night stands or public displays of affection.
And the ban applies to both players and supporters! No sex outside marriage. No one-night stand and no zig zig either with your boyfriend if you are not united by the bonds of marriage. This is the first time in the history of the World Cup that ass is forbidden. Signs of affection such as kissing or hugging in the street are also prohibited. Fun.
8. In Qatar, homosexuality is strictly prohibited
Niceeeeeee. Qatar is one of the countries in which the LGBTQ+ community is simply banned. The Penal Code establishes that homosexual relations are offenses that can be sentenced to up to 7 years in prison. If the convicted person is of the Muslim religion, the sentence can go as far as the death penalty. Although the organizers of the World Cup have declared that “Everyone will be welcome here, everyone will feel safe”, several gay couples have been refused by various hotels recommended by Fifa. In April 2022, the competition security manager also said “If a supporter waves a rainbow flag in a stadium and it is taken away from him, it will not be because we want to offend him, but to protect him. If we don’t, another bystander could attack him. ». Wow. It REALLY makes you want to go there, huh.
9. Bonus: only supporters will be able to enter the territory during the competition
For once, it is not a “ban” that will be applied to supporters, but to all other travelers. During the four weeks of competition, only World Cup ticket holders will be able to enter the country. A decision taken by the Qatari authorities, the country not being used to receiving so many people at once. Indeed, 200,000 people are expected daily, and 1.4 million supporters in all, over the entire period. On the other hand, spectators can come with three other people who do not have tickets, for a fee.