Hotels, beer, one-night stands: A somewhat different World Cup for fans
Created: 11/18/2022, 10:55 p.m
By: Christoph Gschossmann
Fans have to do without beer in the stadiums at the World Cup in Qatar.
© Sebastian Willnow/dpa
The desert World Cup is not like any other World Cup, including for the local fans.
For example, there are no public beer parties - and no one-night stands either.
Doha - A World Cup like no other: Hotels, beer, sexual intercourse - in the conservative Muslim Gulf Emirate of Qatar, visitors have to observe a number of laws and customs.
"In many ways this tournament will be unique," writes FIFA President Gianni Infantino in the official fan guide - and is probably quite right.
A big difference to the West is drinking: At the 2022 World Cup, for example, no beer will be served in the stadiums.
German fans, who have secured a total of 35,000 tickets for the World Cup, can buy beer before and after the games, just like the other guests from all over the world, in special sales tents designed to attract as little attention as possible – if they wish.
Germany's squad for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar
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Alcohol is banned in Qatar – actually
Alcohol is actually forbidden in Qatar, but is offered in some hotels.
There will also be beer at the big fan festival in al-Bidda Park in the center of Doha – but only from 6.30 p.m. local time.
And it gets expensive: 0.5 liters cost the equivalent of over 13 euros.
You also get a soft drink, plus burger and fries. (Game schedule for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar)
The Foreign Office warns that the Qatari authorities have a zero-tolerance policy towards drugs.
Cannabis is also prohibited.
Drug offenses can result in deportation, heavy fines or lengthy prison terms, and drug trafficking can even result in the death penalty.
In the case of medicines, those entering the country should clarify in advance whether they are legal in Qatar.
Qatar is far too small for the approximately one million fans expected.
That's why the prices for hotel rooms have exploded - three huge cruise ships as floating hotels in the harbor should bring some relief.
Because of the shortage, the “National Team Fan Club” camp is also set up in Dubai, with planes flying to the games in Qatar and back again.
"In terms of sustainability," the DFB would have preferred a "different solution.
However, the organization of a fan camp in the World Cup host country Qatar was not possible from an organizational point of view.”
Homosexual relationships are forbidden in Qatar
New, multi-lane roads were built in Doha especially for the World Cup.
In order to prevent traffic gridlock, fans should use the new subway or other public transport to get to the eight stadiums.
These are free for ticket holders thanks to their Hayya card, which is required for entry.
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And otherwise?
Cuddles and kisses in public are taboo in Qatar, but holding hands is generally accepted.
The Federal Foreign Office emphasizes that non-marital sex is prohibited and can be prosecuted.
Homosexual relationships are banned in Qatar, but the authorities recently assured that unmarried and same-sex couples attending a World Cup game can sleep in the same room.
Interior Minister Nancy Faeser had received a "safety guarantee" for all fans from the Prime Minister, but homophobic statements by an official World Cup ambassador afterwards caused horror.
The DFB is setting up "a fan embassy with trained staff in Doha, who can be contacted by fans on site and offer support", as it is said.
This will work "closely with the German embassy in Qatar".
Religious books and porn may not be imported
And there are even more prohibitions: The import of religious books and materials as well as pornographic material is strictly prohibited, and sex toys are also better left at home.
Women are not required to wear a veil.
However, all visitors are recommended to dress modestly, at least in public buildings, i.e. to cover their shoulders and knees.
Statements on religious issues that are harmless in Germany can be punished in Qatar with fines or even imprisonment as an insult to Islam or the Prophet Mohammed.
"The wait is over," writes Infantino in his greeting.
Fans could take away "lifelong memories" from the "greatest show on earth".
(cg with dpa)
At the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, 32 teams will fight for the title.
All participants are fixed - the overview.
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