The Football Association will brief official English representatives travelling to the World Cup on Qatari etiquette to ensure they avoid causing offence during the tournament.
Members of Gareth Southgate‘s playing squad and support staff, FA dignitaries and supporters will be provided with up-to-date information on the nuances of Qatari culture to ensure they stay the right side of the nation’s traditions.
The UK government‘s official travel advice to residents travelling to Qatar reads: ‘Local laws and customs reflect the fact that Qatar is an Islamic country.
‘You should respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all times and be aware of your actions to ensure that they do not offend.’
The Islamic nation are expected to ease a number of their customs during the tournament given the vast number of people that will descend on Qatar for the World Cup.
Nevertheless, all visitors will still be expected to be respectful of local traditions and the FA are taking steps to ensure those travelling to Qatar are prepared with regards to behavioural standards.
The FA have been in regular contact with the Qatari authorities in recent months as they look to ensure all their representatives have the necessary information on what is expected of them upon arrival in November – though much of the education for footballing staff has been completed as part of an ongoing process to ensure players are fully aware of what is expected of them.
English players and staff travelling to the 2022 Qatar World Cup will be educated on etiquette
Members of Gareth Southgate’s playing squad will be provided with up-to-date information on the nuances of Qatari culture
Qatar has strict rules on alcohol consumption, while the fact homosexuality is banned has been well-documented in the lead up to the tournament.
But in addition, guidance as to appropriate clothing to wear in Qatar, particularly when visiting paces of religious interest, will be provided.
Generally, people are advised to show as little skin as possible, with women normally advised to wear clothes that does not expose their shoulders, arms or legs; while men are also guided not to wear shorts or short sleeve tops in certain settings.
Those travelling to Qatar will also be advised on how to correctly greet locals depending on their gender. Men and women do not normally touch with visitors advised to let locals take the lead such scenarios.
Buses which will be used for transport during the tournament have already been showcased
Qatar continues to prepare for the showpiece tournament with adornments across the nation
The use of bodily gestures is also complex in Qatari culture. For instance, gesturing to someone with a finger can be viewed as offensive while lifting the soles of your shoes in front of people is also widely recognised as being rude in Islamic cultures.
The England squad reconvene for the final time ahead of the tournament next month, at which point preparations for their arrival in Qatar will accelerate.
The squad are under pressure to make a statement against the hosts’ questionable human rights record and players will discuss how they might do that during the next camp.