All the fans planning to travel to Qatar in order to cheer up for their national team must be aware of everything that is forbidden if they want to avoid paying fines or even going to jail for between 7 and 15 years.

Qatar World Cup is right around the corner. This will be the first time ever that an Arab country host one of the most followed tournaments in the world. More than one million people will go to Qatar in order to enjoy the World Cup.
A World Cup that can be labelled as the most controversial one in history, as it will be held in a country full of restrictions that are already unknown in the West.

Some of the most important examples for the Qataris are to always look to the eyes and never greet women, and in case of doing so, of course without touching.
However, they will have to put their hand on their heart. The signs of affection “are not part of the local culture”, as the organisation of the competition explains itself on their official website.

Alcohol and drugs in Qatar is a very delicate issue. The sale of alcohol in the stadiums where games will take place is forbidden.
FIFA have assured in a statement that they will keep guaranteeing “a fun, respectful and nice experience for all the fans”. On the other hand, taking or having drugs can result in being sent to jail for 15 years.

In the case of the visiting women, it is recommended to not wear neckline and showing the shoulders. Pants and dresses must always reach under the knees.
Furthermore, it is prohibited to go topless and bikinis will only be allowed at beaches and the private pools from the hotels. Men will neither be able to wear pants above their knees nor showing their shoulders.

It is not allowed either to show the LGBT flag or showing homosexuality in public, as it can be punished up to five years in prison.
The so common ‘selfies’ in the West are limited in Qatar. Government or military facilities, as well as mosques, can’t be photographed, as they could result in being arrested.

If anything can surprise and every foreigner fan must take into account is the fine for throwing trash to the ground, which is punished up to 7,000 euros and one year in prison.
Translated by Guillermo Bermejo.
Main image: Twitter @roadto2022en.