World Cup fans could face up to seven years in prison for having a one-night stand in Qatar

A police insider said there will be “definitely no one-night stands” at the tournament in Qatar, where sex outside marriage is illegal and carries a penalty of up to seven years in prison

World Cup fans have been warned they could face up to seven years in prison if they have a one-night stand during the tournament in Qatar.

Sex outside of marriage is illegal in the Muslim-majority country, regardless of the context or with whom it takes place.

British law enforcement officials have raised concerns about fans’ awareness of the country’s laws and customs, urging Brits to “be prepared”.

That’s what a police insider said Daily Star : “Sex is far off the menu unless you come as a husband and wife team. There will definitely be no one-night stands at this tournament.

“There really isn’t going to be a party at all. Everyone needs to keep their heads above themselves unless they want to risk being stuck in jail.

“This year’s World Cup will see a sex ban for the first time ever. Fans need to be prepared.”

Same-sex intercourse is also illegal in Qatar and can result in prison terms.

A man and woman living together despite not being married, along with public displays of affection, can result in arrest.

The source added: “The post-match drinking and partying culture, which is the norm in most venues, is strictly prohibited.

“With very severe and scary consequences if caught. There is a feeling that this could indeed be a very bad tournament for the fans.”

The warning comes after a senior official claimed fans could have rainbow flags, symbolizing the gay rights movement, which were confiscated by security forces during next year’s tournament.

Maj-Gen Abdulaziz Abdullah Al Ansari – chairman of the National Counterterrorism Committee of Qatar – said: “If he (a fan) raised the rainbow flag and I took it away from him, it’s not because I really, really want to take it, not really to offend him but protect him.

“Because if it’s not me, someone else around him might attack[him]. I cannot guarantee the behavior of all the people. And I’ll tell him, ‘Please, no need to actually raise that flag at this point.'”

In March, England captain Harry Kane made it clear that Gareth Southgate’s side will seek to raise awareness of human rights issues surrounding the 2022 World Cup.

Kane said: “As a nation, we want our fans to enjoy the tournament as much as we hope to enjoy the tournament.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said it would provide practical advice and tips to fans ahead of the World Cup.

All fans considering travel to the tournament should read the Qatar World Cup travel advisories and sign up for email alerts to stay up-to-date with the latest information, the department said.