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    Can you drink alcohol in Qatar?

    THE 2022 World Cup in Qatar is expected to attract millions of football fans from all corners of the globe.And many of them might fancy an alcoholic beverage once they land. But can you drink alcohol in Qatar? Here’s everything you need to know.
    Can you drink alcohol in Qatar?
    Alcohol isn’t illegal in Qatar, but there is zero tolerance for drinking in public and being drunk in public is a crime.
    Local law and customs reflect the fact that Qatar is an Islamic country – therefore you should respect the rules at all times and ensure your actions do not offend.
    Drinking in a public place could result in a prison sentence of up to six months – and/or a fine up to QAR3,000, which converts to £696.29.
    You can only purchase alcohol at licensed hotel restaurants and bars.
    Alcohol can only be purchased at licensed hotel restaurants and bars
    There is also a single state-controlled off-licence, but alcohol can only be obtained using a permit system.
    Visitors are not allowed to bring alcohol into the country, nor are they permitted to shop at the nation’s lone liquor store located on the outskirts of Doha. 
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    The legal drinking age in Qatar is 21, and establishments serving alcohol will ask for original photo ID upon entry.
    Fifa chiefs have agreed with the Muslim host nation that bars at stadiums will be shut between kick-off and the final whistle – during the 2022 World Cup.
    But fans will be able to buy beer, wine and spirits before and after matches when they get to the grounds – in designated special drinking zones.
    Formal confirmation of drinking rules will come before the tournament, which starts in Doha on November 21, 2022.
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    International hotels will serve alcohol as will the official Fifa fan zone in Al Bidda Park in the centre of the capital city – although bars will have restricted hours.
    How much does alcohol cost in Qatar?
    In 2019, Qatar introduced the “sin tax” – doubling the prices of alcohol overnight.
    It was introduced by Qatar’s General Authority of Customs, in a 30-page list of new prices for beer, wines and spirits – citing the introduction of a 100 per cent “excise tax”.
    The price of alcohol varies – however, visitors can expect to pay through the nose for an alcoholic beverage of their choice.
    Examples of the cost of alcohol in Qatar include – a 100cl bottle of Bombay Sapphire gin costing a staggering £73.
    A 75cl bottle of wine costs £18.50 and a 24-pack of Heineken 330ml beers cost £84.
    Read More on The Sun
    Read More on The Sun
    With this being said, football fans can expect the prices of alcohol to be eye-watering – with beers expecting to cost around £10 a pint.
    Qatar’s average pint costs £9.98, more than double the UK’s price of £4.07. More

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    Who is Melissa Reddy? Sky Sports presenter at 2022 World Cup

    THE World Cup is here and amongst the action is Sky Sports presenter Melissa Reddy, who has been reporting from Qatar.There has been plenty of talking points already from the tournament, with a number of major upsets turning heads around the world.
    Melissa Reddy is a presenter for Sky SportsCredit: https://www.instagram.com/melissa_reddy/?hl=en
    She has been openly critical of FIFA president Gianni InfantinoCredit: https://www.instagram.com/melissa_reddy/?hl=en
    Who is Melissa Reddy?
    Melissa Reddy is a South African author and football journalist.
    She left her role as Senior Football corespondent at the Independent earlier this year, moving to Sky Sports.
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    The 36-year-old has been outspoken on issues regarding sexism and racism, discussing the barriers that women face in the workplace.
    She went viral on social media after picking apart FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s recent speech.
    Reddy stated “I think this will be the World Cup that really underpins just how dirty the game is.”
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    She is also rumoured to be dating Bayern Munich star Sadio Mane.
    The pair are thought to have met during an interview whilst Mane was still playing for Liverpool.
    However, neither have confirmed the rumours to be true. More

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    Which France players could miss the World Cup 2022 final against Argentina through illness?

    FRANCE are in the World Cup final against Argentina and they’ll be hoping they have a fully fit squad available.Les Bleus have been clinical so far in Qatar, topping their group before beating Poland, England and Morocco en route to the final.
    Five players missed training for France in preparation for ArgentinaCredit: Reuters
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    But against Morocco, France were missing two of their stars.
    And for their huge clash with Argentina in the final, they could be without some more big stars.
    A mix of injuries and a bug which has swept its way through the French camp has caused their personnel crisis.
    Which France players could miss the final through illness?
    Against Morocco, both Dayot Upamecano and Adrien Rabiot were missing through illness.
    “In Doha, temperatures have fallen a little bit, you have air conditioning which is on all the time,” France boss Didier Deschamps said.
    “We’ve had a few cases of flu-like symptoms.
    “We are trying to be careful so it doesn’t spread and players have made great efforts out on the pitch and obviously their immune systems suffer.
    “Dayot Upamecano felt sick immediately after the match (against England).
    Most read in Sport
    “It happens when you make such an effort, your body is weakened and you are more prone to be infected by these viruses.
    “We are taking all necessary precautions, we are trying to make sure it doesn’t spread but viruses are of course infectious and we have to take precautions against it.
    “We separated him from others and Adrien as well.”
    And since the Morocco game, both centre-backs Raphael Varane and Ibrahim Konate, who started against the African side, have reportedly been struck down with flu, missing training on Friday.
    Kingsley Coman also missed training with the flu after feeling feverish in the week.
    Aurelien Tchouameni and Theo Hernandez also skipped training on Friday, but they’re suffering with respective hip and knee problems.
    Rabiot and Upamecano are expected to be back for the final.
    But it remains to be seen whether Tchouameni, Hernandez and Varane will be okay to start.
    Konate is likely to start from the bench. More

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    World Cup 2022 results: Rundown of entire Qatar tournament including groups and knock-outs plus final

    FOOTBALL’S biggest tournament is sadly coming to an end with the World Cup final participants officially pencilled in for Sunday.Reigning champions France will be determined to be the first nation in 60 years to retain their title.
    France have the chance to retain their World Cup trophyCredit: Rex
    Argentina sealed their World Cup final spot with a 3-0 hammering on CroatiaCredit: Rex
    But Les Bleus have the tall order of Argentina to get by after their convincing 3-0 victory over Croatia.
    Furthermore, the Argentinians have a little magician named Lionel who is Messi desperate to bow out of international football with a World Cup winners medal.
    Find out how the tournament unravelled below…
    World Cup full RESULTS
    Below is the entire results list from the group stages, right through to the knock-outs.
    Group stage
    Sunday, November 20

    Monday, November 21

    Most read in Football
    Tuesday, November 22

    Wednesday, November 23

    Thursday, November 24

    World Cup 2022Everything you need to know about the World Cup

    Friday, November 25

    Saturday, November 26

    Sunday, November 27

    Monday, November 28

    Tuesday, November 29

    Wednesday, November 30

    Thursday, December 1

    Friday, December 2

    Last 16
    Saturday, December 3

    Sunday, December 4

    Monday, December 5

    Tuesday, December 6

    Quarter-finals
    Friday, December 9

    Saturday, December 10

    Semi-finals
    Tuesday, December 13

    Wednesday, December 14

    Saturday, December 17

    Final
    Sunday, December 18
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    Based on UK time zone More

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    When is Croatia vs Morocco? TV channel, live stream and kick-off time for World Cup third place play-off match

    CROATIA and Morocco are set to battle in the one match which all teams participating in the World Cup hope to avoid – the third place play-off.Luca Modric and Co were the first team slip into the play-off having fell victim to a remarkable Argentina side inspired by Lionel Messi.
    Luka Modric failed to guide his nation to another World Cup finalCredit: Getty
    Morocco were beaten by reigning champions France in the semi-finalCredit: Getty
    And they were joined by a history making Moroccan side 24 hours later who lost their mouth-watering semi-final against France.
    England were comfortably beaten by Belgium in the 2018 third place play-off edition.
    But the 2022 World Cup final warm-up event is expected to be a tighter affair and SunSport has all the information needed.

    When is Croatia vs Morocco?

    The World Cup third place play-off between Croatia and Morocco is taking place on Saturday, December 17.
    It is expected to get underway from 3pm UK time
    Khalifa International Stadium in Doha is the allocated arena for this huge fixture and it can host approximately 45,000 spectators.
    Belgium beat England 2-0 in the 2018 third place play-off contest.

    Read more on World Cup
    What TV channel is Croatia vs Morocco on and can it be live streamed?

    Croatia’s encounter against Morocco will be shown LIVE on BBC One in the UK.
    Coverage is set to commence from 2:30pm UK time – 30 minutes before kick-off.
    Viewers also have the option to stream the entire action through the BBC iPlayer app or BBC Sport website.

    Most read in Football
    Can the third place play-off match be watched for free?
    YES! The third place play-off encounter can be watched for FREE as long as you hold a valid TV license in the UK. More

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    When is Argentina vs France – World Cup final 2022? TV channel, live stream, kick-off time for HUGE showpiece final

    CANCEL your Sunday afternoon plans football lovers as Argentina are set to take on France in a mouth-watering World Cup final clash – and it’s not to be missed!Croatia fell victim to a Lionel Messi masterclass in Tuesday’s dominant semi-final encounter.
    Lionel Messi can seal his international career with a World Cup triumphCredit: Getty
    France have booked their spot in the World Cup finalCredit: AFP
    The Argentinian legend opened up the scoring with a expertly-taken penalty, and went on a mesmerising run before setting up Julian Alvarez for their third on the night.
    But things will certainly be tougher for the little magician as he will be taking on a French side that managed to stop high-flying Morocco in their semi-final.
    Messi has created a thrilling final chapter to his international career and the magician will arguably go down as the greatest footballer EVER should he replicate what Diego Maradona did in 1986.
    However, a win for Les Bleus would see them become the first nation in 60 years to achieve successive World Cup triumphs.
    Read more on World Cup 2022
    When is Argentina vs France?

    Argentina’s eye-catching World Cup final contest against France will take place on Sunday, December 18.
    It is scheduled to kick off at 3pm UK time.
    Lusail Iconic Stadium in Qatar is the allocated arena for this mammoth final fixture and it can host a whopping 88,966 spectators.
    Kylian Mbappe’s second-half double sent Argentina crashing out of the World Cup when the sides last met in 2018.

    What TV channel is Argentina vs France on and can it be live streamed?

    The World Cup final between Argentina and France will be shown LIVE on both BBC One and ITV 1.
    Coverage on BBC One is set to commence from 2pm UK time while ITV 1 get their show on the road from 1:30pm UK time.
    Viewers can also head to BBC iPlayer or ITV X if they prefer to stream the action online via tablet and mobile devices.

    Most read in Football
    Can I watch the World Cup final for free?
    YES! The mouth-watering World Cup final in Qatar can be watched for FREE on both channels as long as you hold a valid TV license in the UK. More

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    Who is Kylian Mbappe’s rumoured girlfriend, Rose Bertram?

    KYLIAN MBAPPE is quickly making his name as one of the best footballers in world football.The 23-year-old will be determined to help France retain their World Cup title from 2018.
    Kylian Mbappe is looking to win consecutive World Cup’s with FranceCredit: Getty
    Mbappe is no stranger to the spotlight and neither is his alleged new girlfriend, Rose Bertram.
    But just who is the model? We have all the details on Mbappe’s rumoured girlfriend.
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    Who is Rose Bertram?
    Bertram is 27-years-old and is thought to have met Mbappe after his foray into the fashion industry, living in Paris.
    Born in Belgium, Rose is the child of a Belgian father and her mother is from Cape Verde.
    Rose joined a modelling agency at the age of 13 and has since participated in adverts for world renowned companies such as L’Oreal and H&M.
    Rose Bertram is a famous Belgian modelCredit: Getty
    She now has over 800,000 followers on Instagram, one of them being her alleged new boyfriend Mbappe.
    However, the French star is not the first PSG player that she has dated.

    Who else did Rose Bertram date?
    She was previously with Gregory Van der Wiel, having met him when she was 17.
    Most read in Football
    The couple lived in Paris together between 2012 and 2016, when Van der Wiel was playing for PSG.
    Mbappe never crossed paths with the Dutch defender, joining the club a year after he left, but he is now with Ven der Wiel’s ex-girlfriend and model, if reports are to be believed. More

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    Will Karim Benzema be allowed to play in World Cup final for France?

    KARIM BENZEMA topped a fine season by winning the Ballon d’Or.But the Real Madrid striker was then struck by injury after being named in France’s squad for the World Cup.
    Karim Benzema back in training with Real MadridCredit: Getty
    Though Benzema is now back training with Real, with pictures emerging from their Valdebebas base.
    So would he be allowed to play in the World Cup final now France have beaten Morocco to make it?
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    Would Karim Benzema be allowed to play at the World Cup final?
    Karim Benzema COULD play for France if they reach the World Cup final – as he was never officially replaced in the squad.
    The Real star had been ruled out by French boss Didier Deschamps, but is back training with his club team.
    Marca report he has returned on time and has in fact been training without issue since last Saturday.
    Karim Benzema is training with Real MadridCredit: Getty
    And this means he could make a return to the fold if needed because he was never replaced in the French team.

    World Cup 2022Everything you need to know about the World Cup

    The strong form of Olivier Giroud means such a return is unlikely, however, with the AC Milan star’s goals so far proving vital for his nation in Qatar.
    Benzema missed out on 2018 World Cup glory due to his ongoing issue with compatriot Mathieu Valbuena, which kept him out of the national set-up until 2021.
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