Ticket sales for the Qatar World Cup were launched at reduced prices on Wednesday, with residents and migrant workers able to attend matches for just Rs. 838 amid concerns over Covid-19.
Your chance to be there starts now! 🎟 🏆 #WorldCup
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) January 19, 2022
The number of fans permitted in stadiums for the first World Cup in an Arab country, which runs from November 21 to December 18, has not yet been announced.
In a draw held by FIFA, the world governing body of football, international fans can buy tickets for as little as Rs.5133 — about one-third less than at Russia 2018, but tickets for the final could cost as much as Rs.79380.
Residents of Qatar, including migrant workers whose treatment has been a source of controversy for the organizers, will be able to buy tickets for as little as Rs.5133.
After the first deadline on February 8, fans who apply for the different packages — individual game tickets, team tickets, or stadium tickets — will be entered into a drawing. FIFA said fans who are successful in a random draw will be told by March 8.
Qatar has spent billions of dollars on its preparations for the first winter World Cup, and FIFA is betting a lot of its prestige on the tournament’s success.
A total of seven stadiums have been constructed, and one has been renovated, but there will not be enough hotels for all the fans so some may have to stay on cruise ships during the event.
FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura said, “This is a FIFA World Cup for Qatar, the region and the world, and the products launched today reflect FIFA’s mission to reach as many fans as possible around the world.”
Nasser Al Khater, Qatar’s chief organizer, said the World Cup will be an extraordinary occasion.
“Qatar is looking forward to bringing football fans together to celebrate their shared passion, experience new cultures, and enjoy everything that our country and region have to offer.”
Gianni Infantino, the FIFA president based mainly in Qatar, said one year ago that he believed the Coronavirus pandemic would be over by the time the World Cup started and that the matches would be played in full stadiums.
The organizers predict 1.2 million visitors will attend the 32-team tournament.
Qatar, where the Omicron virus has ravaged many countries, imposes strict restrictions on visitors, including quarantines for new arrivals.
