FIFA World Cup 2022: Female fans banned from wearing revealing clothes; could face jail term

• Image Credit: Google

• Nov 17, 2022 | Dhupali Das

Fans have been asked to respect Qatar's laws and cultural practices, including alcohol, drug, sexuality, and dress code rules...

Digital Desk: Football fans are getting excited as the FIFA World Cup 2022 to kick off in Qatar on November 20. Needless to say, World Cup venues invariably turn into party hotspots, with fans reveling all night. However, due to the Islamic nation's rigid rules, all of that is likely to change this year.

Fans have been asked to respect Qatar's laws and cultural practices, including alcohol, drug, sexuality, and dress code rules. In terms of clothing, travellers may need to reconsider their choices because Qatar has set a number of limitations.

According to aDaily Star article, fans travelling from various nations have been instructed to wear non-revealing clothing. According to Qatari law, if one does not comply and shows too much skin, they may even land in jail. Furthermore, males will face fines and jail time if they remove their shirts fully, while sleeveless tank tops and tops with objectionable slogans are not permitted.

Qatar's government tourism website notes, "Attitudes towards dressing in Qatar are relaxed, but visitors (men as well as women) are expected to show respect for the local culture by avoiding excessively revealing clothes in public. It is generally recommended for men and women to ensure their shoulders and knees are covered."

The FIFA website reiterated the same, noting that ladies can wear whatever they choose but must adhere to Qatar's strict restrictions.

Furthermore, high-tech cameras have been installed in the stadiums to watch the fans. Niyas Abdulrahman, the event's chief technology officer, told AFP in August that 15,000 cameras equipped with facial recognition technology would be monitoring the whole event, including guests.

The World Cup will take place from November 20 to December 18, and thirty-two teams will participate in the event. The host team, Qatar, will compete against the Ecuadorian team in the opening game.