Over 1,300 fans cannot travel to World Cup

LONDON - More than 1,300 fans from England and Wales with banning orders will not be allowed to travel to Qatar for the 2022 World Cup, the British Home Office has said.

The new measures, which come into effect from Friday, prevent supporters with a history of football-related violence from making the trip to the sport's showpiece event, which kicks off on Nov 20 and runs till Dec 18.

The Daily Mail said that those subject to football banning orders will have to hand in their passports to police.

Those who want to travel elsewhere, excluding Qatar, will need permission to keep their passports and will face checks at ports of exit.

If caught trying to go to Qatar, they will face a banning-order court hearing within 24 hours.

"We will not let the behaviour of a minority of lawbreakers tarnish what will be an exciting tournament," said Home Secretary Suella Braverman.

The 2021-22 season witnessed a sharp rise in pitch invasions and crowd trouble across English football, with the Premier League introducing enhanced safety measures to control misbehaviour ahead of the new campaign.

The Home Office warned that fans flouting the rules could face six months in prison and an unlimited fine.

Any person who has "previously caused trouble and is deemed likely to do so again" will also be banned from travelling.

"Violence, abuse and disorder is not tolerated here, and this criminal behaviour will not be tolerated at the World Cup, which is why we are taking this firm approach," added Braverman.

REUTERS