When the news broke out in 2010 that Qatar has been awarded the hosting rights for the 2022 FIFA World Cup it raised a few eyebrows. Some sceptics pointed out that the tiny Gulf country lacks the capacity and experience to host an event of such magnitude and the climate is also quite unfavourable for an outdoor sport like football. But as the quadrennial soccer carnival gradually approaches its D-Day, the energy-rich country has managed to tick on most of the boxes. Also, FIFA President Gianni Infantino has assured everyone of a world cup of a lifetime by backing Qatar’s efforts in upgrading its infrastructure. But some pertinent issues persist and visitors or fans need clear cut answers on these as well. So, what are the issues? Let’s find out.
Cost of Travel
This is a prime concern among visitors and Ronan Evain, the head of European Football Supporters, has touched upon the topic while speaking to the AFP. “Fans see (air ) ticket prices rising and don’t know when it will stop,” Evain said. In the aftermath of the Coronavirus pandemic, the prices of air tickets have gone through the roof and this has made travel to Doha a very expensive affair. For example, a Madrid-Doha ticket is poised to go beyond $1,680 by November this year, the time when the football event will kick off. Hence, this is something the GCC country and organisers of the event should look into on an immediate basis.
Overpriced Tickets & Accommodation
Availability of enough economical or budget accommodations is another issue that worries the visitors. They feel that the stay facilities can be out of bounds for many due to high pricing and accommodation options are not adequate to take in all visitors. However, the Gulf country has assured that there will be no shortage of accommodations as there is a sufficient number of apartments, cruise ships, desert camps etc apart from the shared rooms, which would cost as less as $85 a night. The matter does not end here as the match tickets are very costly and visitors cannot book accommodation online without a seat number. So, these matters need some more transparency.
Confusion Over Alcohol Consumption
It is a known fact that beer-guzzling and match viewing are integral to the fans during football matches, especially the world cup. But considering the conservative nature of the country, fans are still in doubt whether they will be able to enjoy their drinks as well as matches. Though government officials have said that there will be some flexibility on the count of alcohol consumption visitors are still in dark over the issue.
Despite ambassadors from different countries requesting some clarity over alcohol and homosexuality, an affirmative response is still pending on the part of the Gulf Country. Interestingly, Qatar has specified that alcohol will be sold at fan zones and special areas at the stadium, but the fans have to be mindful of local customs as they drink publicly. So, the ultimate challenge is to permit drinking without vitiating the atmosphere around the stadium.
