Football World Cup: Fans face sex ban, seven years' jail as Qatar braces for influx of foreigners

Travelling football fans may be in for a shock at this year's World Cup, with host Qatar preparing to crack down on illegal sex and alcohol during the tournament.

The conservative Middle East nation takes a very dim view of sex outside marriage and reportedly doesn't plan to compromise existing laws for the sake of a world sport showpiece, with transgressors facing up to seven years in prison.

"Sex is very much off the menu, unless you're coming as a husband and wife team," a UK police source has told The Daily Star. "There definitely will be no one-night stands at this tournament.

"There will be no partying at all, really. "Everyone needs to keep their heads about them, unless they want to risk being stuck in prison.

"There is essentially a sex ban in place at this year's World Cup for the first time ever. Fans need to be prepared. 

"The drink and party culture after games, which is the norm in most places, is strictly prohibited."

World Cup organisers have confirmed their low tolerance of any shenaningans from visiting fans.

"The safety and security of every single fan is of the utmost importance to us, but public displays of affection are frowned upon," said 2022 World Cup chief executive Nasser al-Khater. "It's not part of our culture and that goes across the board to everybody."

Homosexuality is also illegal in Qatar, where the national football association is considering a ban on rainbow flags in stadia.

"You want to demonstrate your view about the LGBTQ+, then demonstrate it in a society where it will be accepted," said Qatar Football Association general secretary Mansoor Al Ansari.

New Zealand fell short of qualifying for the World Cup, when they lost 1-0 to Costa Rica in a highly contentious encounter at Doha last week.

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