The footballing circus is setting its sights on the biggest event on the 2022 calendar: the Qatar World Cup, as Wales secures the final European spot in the tournament and books a group stage clash with England.
Breaking with convention, this World Cup is being played in the Northern Hemisphere’s winter for the first time and, more importantly, in the middle of the European football season.
In reality, though, holding the tournament in the middle of Qatar’s summer isn’t feasible with average June to August temperatures easily passing 40 degrees.
But the climate in Qatar isn’t the only thing that will set this tournament apart.
Only the second World Cup to be held in Asia - the first was co-hosted by Japan and South Korea - this will also be the first time the tournament has been held in a Muslim majority nation.
This is part of the enchanting diversity of the beautiful game. Heading to watch in Qatar will take fans somewhere football is unlikely to have taken them before.
With that though, are some legal differences fans ought to be aware of.
The laws and customs of Qatar are those of an Islamic country, and some things that are acceptable in the UK may be frowned upon there.
Drug laws in Qatar
Many drugs are illegal in the UK but Qatar’s approach to them is stricter, adopting a zero-tolerance approach.
Using, possessing and selling recreational drugs can all incur major penalties ranging from deportation to long stretches behind bars.
Hamad International Airport uses cutting-edge security equipment and, according to the UK government, people with “even residual amounts of drugs may be arrested”.
Other prescribed and over-the-counter medications in the UK may be regarded as controlled substances in Qatar, so make sure you bring the correct documentation from your doctor or hospital if you're on a prescription.
Alcohol and disorderly behaviour laws in Qatar
Drinking alcohol in public is illegal in Qatar.
Disorderly behaviour can lead to attention from police and often leads to detention.
Drinking in public places is punishable with up to six months in jail, and booze is only accessible at some hotels and bars that have the correct licensing.
Swearing and making obscene and rude gestures can result in deportation or jail time.
Photography
Take care when photographing or filming things like the military or constructions sites. People have been arrested in these scenarios before, the UK government says.
It warns: “There are strict privacy laws in Qatar. Posting material (including videos and photographs) online that appear to insult, slander or are culturally insensitive, may be considered a crime punishable under Qatari law.”
Import laws in Qatar
Bringing in religious books and materials to Qatar is illegal, as is bringing in pork.
Drugs, alcohol and pornography are all also against the law.
E-cigarettes are also banned.
Dress code laws in Qatar
People should dress carefully while in Qatar, adopting a modest approach.
This applies to when you’re behind the wheel, while women should make sure their shoulders are covered and they are not wearing short skirts.
Men shouldn't wear shorts or tops without sleeves.
Laws about displays of affection in Qatar
Public displays of affection can lead to arrest in Qatar.
A man and woman living together while they are not married can lead to arrest, and sex outside marriage regardless of the context or who it is between is illegal. Same-sex intercourse is illegal and can lead to prison time.
Women who give birth in Qatar and cannot prove they are married may struggle to register the baby and can face arrest.
Financial fraud laws in Qatar
A cheque bouncing in Qatar is illegal, as is the non-payment of bills and fraud.
It can lead to imprisonment, frozen assets and deportation.
