Over 1,300 UK Fans Banned from Qatar World Cup

The government authority’s new measures come into effect on Friday and will prevent more than 1,300 supporters with banning orders from heading to the Persian Gulf state, where England and Wales have been drawn together in Group B.

“We will not let the behavior of a minority of lawbreakers tarnish what will be an exciting tournament,” Home Secretary Suella Braverman said on Monday, RT reported.

The Home Office confirmed that any fans who have “previously caused trouble” and are “deemed likely to do so again” will also be barred from traveling to Qatar.

If caught trying to circumvent the rules, offenders face an unlimited fine and six months in prison.

“Violence, abuse and disorder is not tolerated here, and this criminal behavior will not be tolerated at the World Cup which is why we are taking this firm approach,” Braverman said.

Incidents of fan-related trouble and violence have recently risen in English football, which forced the Premier League to introduce enhanced safety measures ahead of the 2022/2023 season.

The 2021/2022 campaign saw an increase in pitch invasions specifically, with one Nottingham Forest supporter jailed for running onto the field and headbutting the captain of the opposition, Billy Sharp, after Forest beat Sheffield United on penalties in a promotion play-off match.

A report from Reuters last month said that World Cup host Qatar is developing plans to reduce punishments for fans committing minor offenses.

Sources told the outlet how organizers have informed diplomats and police from the countries taking part that flexibility will be shown on minor infringements in a usually strict and conservative society.

The Qatar 2022 World Cup kicks off on November 20, with England and Wales set to meet in their final group games on November 29.