Qatar has concerns over the lack of accommodation
Fans who do not have match tickets will not be allowed to enter Qatar during the World Cup amid concerns surrounding the lack of accommodation available.
Qatar has a population of just over 3m
Nations competing in the tournament found out their group stage fate during Friday’s draw, which also allowed supporters who intend to go to the tournament the opportunity to plan their schedule.
It has not become clear, however, that only fans who have pre-purchased tickets will be granted FIFA IDs, which will be used as a way to facilitate entry visas.
This prevents the country from being overpopulated and eases concerns surrounding the lack of accommodation available to those in the Middle East for the tournament.
Qatar has a population of just 3m and is roughly around the same size as the county of Yorkshire, meaning many fans may even have to look at finding accommodation in neighbouring countries such as the United Arab Emirates – making the trip even more expensive.
‘The rules are strict and are there for a reason’
Berhold Trenkel, chief operating officer of the government-run Qatar Tourism explained the decision to The Sun on Sunday.
“A decision has been taken that only fans with match tickets will be allowed visas.
“They will need official fan IDs to get into Qatar and those who do not have them will not be allowed to travel.
“The rules are strict and are there for a reason.”
The move has also been taken to prevent a repeat of events from the 2020 European Championships last summer where thousands of ticketless supporters travelled to Wembley Stadium – some breaching security and entering the stadium.
The World Cup begins on November 21 and will run for approximately a month, with the final scheduled to take place on December 18.
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