Qatar’s World Cup promises fun — but without pleasure.
Fans traveling to watch the global soccer championship have been warned not to bring a number of items that are reportedly banned in Qatar, the site of 2022’s World Cup.
Those caught with any one of the verboten items could face prison time, according to an official memo.
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“Importing drugs, alcohol, pornography, pork products and religious books and material into Qatar is illegal,” reads the UK Foreign Travel Advice government website.
Beer, it is noted, will be served at designated locations, including inside stadiums during games, but prohibited elsewhere.
“Swearing and making rude gestures are considered obscene acts and offenders can be jailed and/or deported,” the site continues. “Take particular care when dealing with the police and other officials.”
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The site goes on to list several cautions for visitors, such as refraining from public displays of intimacy, and it offers advice on how to dress according to Islamic code.
“You should dress modestly when in public, including while driving. Women must cover their shoulders and avoid wearing short skirts,” instructs the website.“Both men and women are advised not to wear shorts or sleeveless tops, when going to government buildings, health-care facilities or malls.”
The list of banned items makes headlines as controversy continues to swirl around the decision to make Qatar the host country of the World Cup. The tournament, which historically takes place every four years between May, June and July, had to be shifted to November 2022 due to Qatar’s punishingly hot climate.
Besides the harsh playing conditions, fans have also criticized the Persian Gulf state’s stance on homosexuality and human rights, accusing organizers of putting profit over people. Just days ago, a Qatar World Cup ambassador told German television network ZDF that homosexuality is “damage in the mind.”
Originally published by the NY POST
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SNUBBED STAR SET FOR BETTING BAN
Brentford striker Ivan Toney faces a lengthy ban after being charged by the English Football Association for 232 alleged breaches of betting rules over a four-year period.
The 26-year-old, who had been in contention for England’s World Cup squad, last week admitted he was assisting the FA with its investigation into historic breaking of gambling rules.
The alleged breaches stretch from 2017, when Toney was on Newcastle’s books, to 2021, after he had joined Brentford from Peterborough.
In a statement the FA said: “Ivan Toney has been charged with misconduct in relation to alleged breaches of the FA’s betting rules.
“It is alleged that the Brentford FC forward breached FA rule E8 232 times between February 25, 2017 and January 23, 2021.” The rules ban players from betting on any football match, even games in which they are not involved.
England right-back Kieran Trippier was banned for 10 weeks by the FA in December 2020 for giving out information for others to bet on his transfer from Tottenham to Atletico Madrid.
Toney had been called up to England’s recent Nations League in September but was omitted when Gareth Southgate named his travelling party to Qatar.
He responded by scoring twice in a shock 2-1 win for the Bees over Manchester City on Saturday.
“The club has been in discussion with Ivan and his legal representatives about this matter and those conversations will continue privately,” Brentford said in a statement.
“We will make no further comment until the matter has been completed.” When news of the FA probe broke on November 6, Toney wrote on Twitter: “I’m aware of a story about me in a national newspaper today.
“I have been assisting the Football Association with their enquiries and will not be making any comment until such investigation has reached its conclusion.”
MESSI, ARGENTINA SEND FINAL WC WARNING
Lionel Messi was among the scorers as Argentina wrapped up their World Cup preparations with a 5-0 friendly victory over the United Arab Emirates on Wednesday.
Messi lashed home his 91st international goal in the first half at the Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi to help Argentina extend their unbeaten streak to 36 games.
The South American giants can equal Italy’s world record unbeaten run of 37 games if they avoid defeat against Saudi Arabia in their World Cup opener in Doha on Tuesday.
Messi’s goal came in an opening 45 minutes that saw Angel di Maria score twice with Manchester City’s Julian Alvarez also netting.
Substitute Joaquin Correa added a fifth after the break, completing a commanding result for the Qatar-bound visitors, in front of a 36,000 capacity crowd.
RONALDO BENCHED
Portugal striker Cristiano Ronaldo is suffering a stomach bug and will be left out of the team’s World Cup warm-up friendly against Nigeria on Thursday, according to his coach Fernando Santos.
Ronaldo gave an explosive interview to Piers Morgan’s show on TalkTV this week in which he criticised Manchester United and said he had no respect for the coach Erik ten Hag, who has not relied on him much this season.
The striker, 37, a five-time Ballon d’Or winner, will not train on Wednesday because of the illness, which has started amid the controversy caused by his interview.
“He is suffering from gastroenteritis and will not train today for this reason,” Santos told a press conference in Lisbon.
“He won’t be ready (to face Nigeria), he’s resting, as you know, gastritis takes a lot out of players.”