Qatar to soften laws so World Cup fans avoid prosecution for drunkenness and minor offences

"Increased leniency pleases the international community, but comes with the risk that it might upset conservatives inside the country."

A general exterior view of the Lusail Stadium, a venue for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. Picture date: Friday April 1, 2022.

World Cup fans in Qatar caught committing minor offences such as public drunkenness will escape prosecution under plans being developed by authorities in the conservative Muslim host nation, a diplomat and a person familiar with Qatari briefings to foreign police told Reuters.

While the policing strategy for the competition, which kicks off in less than two months, has yet to be finalised, organisers have told diplomats and police from qualified countries they intend to show flexibility for relatively minor infringements, the sources said.