FIFA officials have announced the COVID policy for international fans attending this year’s World Cup in Qatar.
All visitors aged six and over must present a negative PCR test to enter the country, taken no earlier than 48 hours before departure, according to the rules.
Fans over the age of 18 must also download an app upon arrival to confirm they do not have the virus, in order to access enclosed public indoor spaces.
People arriving in Qatar will not be asked to self-quarantine but will be asked to self-isolate if they test positive during their stay.
Official guidelines on the Qatar 2022 website also state that masks will be mandatory on public transport and in healthcare facilities during the competition, which begins on November 20.
Qatar will kick off against Ecuador for the opening game at Al Bayt Stadium in the northeastern province of Al Khor.
England will face Iran at the Khalifa International Stadium in the capital Doha the following day, November 21.
Gareth Southgate’s side will next face the United States on November 25 before taking on Wales four days later on November 29.
Meanwhile, Wales will face the United States on November 21 and then Iran on November 25.
The Qatar World Cup will be the shortest in history, with the final taking place on December 18.
Plagued by more than a decade of controversy
This year’s World Cup has sparked controversy since Qatar won the event by Fifaworld football’s governing body, in 2010 – in the middle allegations of bribery and corruption, including “secret payments” to help the Desert State win its auction.
A former FIFA inspector scored the decision “a mistake” and expressed fears for the health of fans and players if the World Cup is staged in the summer months – when temperatures in Qatar can exceed 40C.
FIFA awarded the contract to Qatar despite Harold Mayne-Nicholls’ official warning that playing in the country during the summer would be “impossible” – and the tournament was later moved to winter.
Qatar also faces constant criticism over its human rights record, with organizations such as Amnesty International accusing fail to protect migrant workers.
It follows a dispute over the number of migrant workers who died during the construction of stadiums and facilities for the tournament.
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Inside a dressing room at the Qatar World Cup
More than 6,000 deaths have been recorded in the Gulf state since Qatar won the World Cup – but authorities say only three workers died during construction and insisted the published figures were ” inaccurate”.
Teams have rallied against the regime in Qatar, with Denmark unveiling a black kit to protest against human rights abuses.
Supplier Hummel shared the kit on Instagram with the caption: “Black. The color of mourning. The perfect color for Denmark’s third kit for this year’s World Cup.
“Although we support the Danish national team until the end, this should not be confused with supporting a tournament that has claimed thousands of lives.
“We want to make a statement about Qatar’s human rights record and the treatment of migrant workers who built the World Cup stadiums in the country.”
Meanwhile, England’s Harry Kane and football captains from nine other nations, including the Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland and the Country of Wales, wear anti-discrimination armbands in Qatar.
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“Southgate should choose its words carefully”
But tournament general manager Nasser al Khater said Qatar had been ‘unfairly treated and monitored’.
Mr. al Khater also said players who wanted to protest would be free to do so – and insisted LGBTQ+ fans are welcome even though homosexuality is illegal – as he responded to criticism of his country’s human rights record.
Officials would also have civilians and diplomats enlisted from abroad to assist in the security operation at the World Cup – including managing stadium queues, searching fans and searching for drugs, alcohol and weapons.
They have been warned that it is their “patriotic duty” to help – as many fear the consequences if they refuse to comply.
