Fans attending the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar must show proof of a negative COVID-19 before being allowed to enter the venue. The test report is mandatory even for those who are fully vaccinated, the organisers said in a statement on Thursday.
All visitors aged six and over will have to present a negative result from a PCR test taken within 48 hours before their departure or from a rapid antigen test taken in the 24 hours before arriving, the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy said.
But that is not all. Results of the rapid antigen tests will only be accepted if they are from official medical centres and not self-administered. In addition to that, visitors who are 18 years of age and above will need to download a government-run contact tracing phone application called Ehteraz.
“A green Ehteraz status (showing the user does not have a confirmed case of COVID-19) is required to enter any public closed indoor spaces,” the statement added. “Anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 while in Qatar will be required to isolate in accordance with Ministry of Public Health guidelines,” the statement added.
The 2022 FIFA World Cup – the 22nd edition of the mega event – is scheduled to take place in Qatar from 20 November to 18 December 2022. This is also the last FIFA World Cup which will be played by 32 teams. From the next edition onwards, the number of teams will be increased to 48.
The first match will be contested between Qatar and Ecuador at Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor. The final will be played o 18 December 2022. France are the reigning World Cup champions and will look to defend the title.
