The FIFA World Cup is amongst the most celebrated sports tournaments on the planet. Every four years we get to witness history made, where players outshine their opponents to claim the prestigious award, and in many occasions, stars take this largest stage to elevate the level of their career by having a breakthrough year. In this year’s edition, Qatar 2022 will be the first World Cup ever to be held in a Middle Eastern country, and as the first post-pandemic World Cup in history, international football fans are expected to abide by the following regulations.
Health Insurance
It is mandatory for those who are travelling to Qatar for the World Cup to subscribe to a health insurance premium that costs about $13. According to the Official Gazette in Qatar, the beneficiary of such a health insurance premium will be given basic services such as accident and emergency treatments if they stumble across any unpleasant events.
COVID-19 Rules
Many countries may have opened their borders without any restrictions, but there are certain COVID-19 rules to be observed should you be watching any matches in Qatar 2022. A negative COVID-19 test must be conducted for fans aged six and above within 48 hours before their departure for Qatar. Everyone is also required to wear their face masks when they are commuting via public transport in Qatar.
Dress Code
Now, having a World Cup in a Middle Eastern country is ground-breaking, but football fans must also respect the Islamic state religion culture of the host nation. The key to clothing in this year’s World Cup would be to “Dress modestly”; This means that shoulders should be covered, and shorts or sleeveless shirts are not ideal as fans may be banned from entering certain buildings that adhere to stricter dress codes.
Social Rules
Now, we all know sports events cannot be merrier without food and beverages. In Qatar, those who are over the age of 21 are allowed to consume licensed beverages legally if they are not drinking in the public. As for football fans, apart from the concourse concession stand, beer would be made available after 6:30pm, before and after matches in fan zones of all eight venues.
We all want to have fun in the World Cup and immerse ourselves in the energetic vibes surrounding one of the biggest sports events ever, but rules are meant to be followed at the end of the day. So be sure to read the above before you head for Qatar!
(Photo Credits: Al Jazeera)
