WC - Anyone going?

[KateR]

Is anyone going to the World Cup, do you have tickets or are just planning now?

We as a family lived in Qatar a long time, children right through the schooling system, which was first class in Doha. It was a good life, especially for children and it was very safe the majority of the time, however for males living alone it was a poor life and we used to have parties were there was a sprinkling of single guys at every party. In the beginning the availability of alcohol was under license with a monthly allowance where you went to a warehouse type facility that basically only sold alcohol, however it morphed into having areas and "5 Star" hotels able to sell alcohol in bars and restaurants, I remember watching a few matches in bars during the 2010 WC.

I've just been reading about the groups in the LBGTQ sphere and their fears, not something I ever thought about before in reality but I definitely recognize that this will be a huge issue and can't see them repealing the laws but they are seeking assurances to this. Another interesting side story in this WC development full of controversy, while I really enjoyed my time there I don't think they should have been awarded the games and my thoughts are it will be rally badly attended. Our youngest has spent two years trying to plead the case for us going back and watching games, we definitely wont be going though.

[Burnley1989]

Is anyone going to the World Cup, do you have tickets or are just planning now?

We as a family lived in Qatar a long time, children right through the schooling system, which was first class in Doha. It was a good life, especially for children and it was very safe the majority of the time, however for males living alone it was a poor life and we used to have parties were there was a sprinkling of single guys at every party. In the beginning the availability of alcohol was under license with a monthly allowance where you went to a warehouse type facility that basically only sold alcohol, however it morphed into having areas and "5 Star" hotels able to sell alcohol in bars and restaurants, I remember watching a few matches in bars during the 2010 WC.

I've just been reading about the groups in the LBGTQ sphere and their fears, not something I ever thought about before in reality but I definitely recognize that this will be a huge issue and can't see them repealing the laws but they are seeking assurances to this. Another interesting side story in this WC development full of controversy, while I really enjoyed my time there I don't think they should have been awarded the games and my thoughts are it will be rally badly attended. Our youngest has spent two years trying to plead the case for us going back and watching games, we definitely wont be going though.

I still can’t quite believe we are having it there, not for me this one

[GodIsADeeJay81]

No, but only because I'm putting my money into going to California for Xmas with my lad.
If I didn't have that going on I'd seriously look at going to the WC

[Rowls]

Does anyone know if the "artificial clouds" that are going to shade the players from the unrelenting heat have been constructed yet?

I've not seen any working prototypes or examples of these thus far.

[Rowls]

https://energydigital.com/renewable-ene ... ting-cloud

[Redbeard]

I went early this morning as usual, Kate.

Though why you want to know, I can't imagine.

[Redbeard]

Besides, Mrs Red has just been.

Hope this helps.

[Marney&Mee]

https://energydigital.com/renewable-ene ... ting-cloud

that was planned before they moved it to the winter. All the stadia were going to be air conditioned as well

[KateR]

yes all the talk and ideas for the award all left behind, weather should actually be wonderful I think but of course you never can tell. I might watch to see how they portray the whole area and reminisce regarding places we went to.

[rufus lumley]

Twice so far for me today.

[Pearcey]

I’ve spent time in Doha and it’s not a place I would choose to watch a football tournament. I’ve been to a few tournaments and England away games and the social life around it is as important as the match itself.

[Woodleyclaret]

Definitely not and won't be watching either a complete farce from start to finish never should have been awarded in the first place.

[dougcollins]

I went early this morning as usual, Kate.

Though why you want to know, I can't imagine.

How many times though?

[bobinho]

It's absolutely obscene that the tournament was awarded to them. Absolutely bent. Surely there can't be an individual anywhere on the planet who thinks that it was awarded honestly, and in the best interests of the game?

I wouldn't go if the tickets were free. Can't imagine that anyone who isn't actively involved in the whole shitshow would want to go and support it...

[Vintage Claret]

Won't be going but will be watching it on TV.

I'm assuming the games will be played morning or evening in Qatar due to the heat?

If so will be odd viewing times in the UK as Qatar time is a few hours ahead.

[Redbeard]

How many times though?

Just the once, Doug.
It's the regularity that counts.

[Marney&Mee]

Won't be going but will be watching it on TV.

I'm assuming the games will be played morning or evening in Qatar due to the heat?

If so will be odd viewing times in the UK as Qatar time is a few hours ahead.

It’s not that hot there in December. Dry heat as well so no real humidity. For those going, best bet is stay in Dubai and fly in (50min flight I recall)

[Marney&Mee]

It's absolutely obscene that the tournament was awarded to them. Absolutely bent. Surely there can't be an individual anywhere on the planet who thinks that it was awarded honestly, and in the best interests of the game?

I wouldn't go if the tickets were free. Can't imagine that anyone who isn't actively involved in the whole shitshow would want to go and support it...

How long have you been worked for the Qatari Tourist Board?

[Burnleyareback2]

As much as I can’t stand him, I watched the Gary Neville Qatar documentary on Amazon tonight- it’s got me considering the trip

[Rileybobs]

Won't be going but will be watching it on TV.

I'm assuming the games will be played morning or evening in Qatar due to the heat?

If so will be odd viewing times in the UK as Qatar time is a few hours ahead.

Games are at 10am, 1pm, 4pm and 7pm UK time I believe.

[Vegas Claret]

I can't remember a tournament I've been less enthusiastic about. I might change my opinion when it comes around but meh

[Wile E Coyote]

after the appalling scenes of industrial littering , and rampaging drunken mobs storming Wembley causing mayhem at the euros, its hardly appropriate to pour scorn on Qatar .
We have a vile culture of vindictive, tribalism and violence. We are known for our inability to eradicate racism.
Why on earth would english football fans be expected to regard Qatar as a tournament to avoid based on human interest or human rights?
We require millions of pounds of taxpayers hard earned cash to pay for policing every season due to fans being incapable of attending matches without resorting to attacking rivals.
if the day ever dawns when the UK has rid itself of the moronic **** that follow football, then maybe it might be possible to criticise another country. Until then, let the games commence.

[Caballo]

after the appalling scenes of industrial littering , and rampaging drunken mobs storming Wembley causing mayhem at the euros, its hardly appropriate to pour scorn on Qatar .
We have a vile culture of vindictive, tribalism and violence. We are known for our inability to eradicate racism.
Why on earth would english football fans be expected to regard Qatar as a tournament to avoid based on human interest or human rights?
We require millions of pounds of taxpayers hard earned cash to pay for policing every season due to fans being incapable of attending matches without resorting to attacking rivals.
if the day ever dawns when the UK has rid itself of the moronic **** that follow football, then maybe it might be possible to criticise another country. Until then, let the games commence.

You're right! Compared to slavery and human trafficking on an industrial scale, imprisonment for being a rape victim, a gender pay gap of 50%, no workers rights and the death penalty for same sex intercourse we really are a bunch of two hats.

[Marney&Mee]

You're right! Compared to slavery and human trafficking on an industrial scale, imprisonment for being a rape victim, a gender pay gap of 50%, no workers rights and the death penalty for same sex intercourse we really are a bunch of two hats.

not to mention (for many jobs) having to surrender your passport and asking permission from your company to leave the country...

[Pearcey]

It’s not that hot there in December. Dry heat as well so no real humidity. For those going, best bet is stay in Dubai and fly in (50min flight I recall)

During the night it is the most humid place I’ve ever experienced. Can’t remember if I’ve been at that time of year though. We were back and forth whilst in the RAF to a base near Doha.

[Marney&Mee]

During the night it is the most humid place I’ve ever experienced. Can’t remember if I’ve been at that time of year though. We were back and forth whilst in the RAF to a base near Doha.

Yeah, in the summer. Not pleasant at all. Glorious weather in December. Like a nice summers days in England

[ecc]

This WC will make 2002 seem like the best ever. I think I saw four games back then.

[whalleyd]

I have been a Claret living in Doha since 2018. Weather in November-December is fantastic, there will be no issues with heat. You can get a beer no problem ( not cheap!) and it’s the safest place I’ve ever been. Stadia are amazing, get yourselves here!!!

[rufus lumley]

Hi whalleyd is it it safe for members of the gay community ?

[calclaret]

I'm moving to Doha in July.

I managed to get one of the stadium packages which means I have tickets to four group games at four different stadiums. I will find out which games I'll be going to when they announce the schedule - I'm hoping one of them will be an England game, although I'm confident I will be able to get tickets for the England games over there!