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      ITV announce World Cup pundits as Gary Neville, Graeme Souness and Roy Keane join Wales cult hero and Eni Aluko

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      GARY NEVILLE, Roy Keane and Graeme Souness are among the mega names confirmed as ITV pundits for next month’s World Cup in Qatar.The iconic trio have been delighted footy fans with their hot takes for years.
      Gary Neville and Roy Keane are among the ITV pundits confirmed for next month’s World CupCredit: Alamy
      Graeme Souness will also be providing footy fans with hot takesCredit: Getty
      And they are sure to provide more entertainment this winter as England look for a first World Cup win since 1966.
      At the weekend, Man Utd legends Neville and Keane had a huge bust-up over Cristiano Ronaldo’s future.
      Liverpool icon Souness is no stranger to heated debates either.
      And it will be a lively occasion as the globe’s top teams compete for football’s greatest prize.
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      Joining the trio are former Arsenal striker Ian Wright and ex-Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole.
      Wales hero Hal-Robson Kanu and Man City favourite Nigel de Jong will also be taking to the studio.
      And three icons of the women’s game will be present too, with Eni Aluko and Karen Carney joined by Nadia Nadim.
      Meanwhile, there are three main presenters in Mark Pougatch, Laura Woods and Seema Jaswal.
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      The commentary team consists of Sam Matterface, Clive Tyldesley, Jon Champion, Seb Hutchinson and Joe Speight.
      And co-commentary will come from Lee Dixon, Ally McCoist, John Hartson and Andros Townsend.
      ITV will broadcast a total of 32 matches from Qatar, with the first being Senegal vs Holland on Monday November 21.
      ITV is also showing England’s second group game against the USA on Friday November 25. More

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      Australia become first World Cup team to criticise Qatar human rights record in moving collective statement

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      AUSTRALIA have become the first World Cup team to criticise Qatar’s human rights record.A group of 16 Socceroos stars, including former Arsenal goalkeeper Matt Ryan, came together to release a moving statement.
      Matt Ryan was among those to take part in Australia’s messageCredit: https://twitter.com/Socceroos/status/1585378130533183488
      Veteran Alex Wilkinson also took part in the statementCredit: https://twitter.com/Socceroos/status/1585378130533183488
      In a video posted to the Australia national team’s social media pages, stars gave their support to migrant workers, as well as those in the LGBTQI+ community.
      Ex-Celtic and Hull midfielder Jackson Irvine said: “We have learned that the decision to host the World Cup in Qatar has resulted in the suffering and harm of countless of our fellow workers.”
      While experienced defender Alex Wilkinson added: “These migrant workers who have suffered are not just numbers.
      “Like the migrants that have shaped our country and our football, they possess the same courage and determination to build a better life”
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      They added: “As players we fully support the rights of LGBTQI+ people, but in Qatar people are not free to love the person that they choose.”
      Aussie stars vowed to try and inspire a “lasting legacy in Qatar” – continuing: “This must include establishing a migrant resource centre, effective remedy for those who have been denied their rights, and the decriminalisation of all same sex relationships.
      “These are the basic rights that should be afforded to all and will ensure continued progress in Qatar.
      “This is how we can ensure a legacy that goes well beyond the final whistle of the 2022 Fifa World Cup.”
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      The Socceroos have been drawn in Group D, and will take on France, Tunisia and Denmark.
      UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly sparked uproar this week when asked by LBC about the prospect of gay football fans travelling to Qatar.
      He said: “One of the things I would say for football fans is, you know, please do be respectful of the host nation.
      “They are trying to ensure that people can be themselves and enjoy the football, and I think with a little bit of flex and compromise at both ends, it can be a safe, secure and exciting World Cup.”
      England legend Gary Lineker responded to Cleverly’s comments on Twitter, writing: “Whatever you do, don’t do anything gay. Is that the message?”
      Australia will take on France, Tunisia and Denmark in QatarCredit: AFP More

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      Chelsea boss Graham Potter tipped to replace Gareth Southgate as England boss by former Three Lions chief Glenn Hoddle

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      GRAHAM POTTER has the backing of Glenn Hoddle to replace Gareth Southgate as England manager.The Chelsea boss only took over at Stamford Bridge from Thomas Tuchel last month, signing a five-year, £50million contract.
      Graham Potter is earning plenty of plaudits as Chelsea managerCredit: Getty
      Gareth Southgate has been in charge of England for six yearsCredit: Getty
      But the former Brighton chief remains the favourite to take over from Southgate when the current Three Lions gaffer leaves his post.
      And Hoddle reckons he would be one the best candidates when the job becomes available following his unbeaten start in nine Chelsea matches.
      The former England boss, who was in charge at Wembley from 1996 to 1999, said: “I think he needs more credit.
      “Him or Eddie Howe will be England manager one day.
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      “He has got a talented squad and so much depth.
      “There are class players waiting on the bench to come on so you always know you can change it tactically.”
      Joe Cole has also been massively impressed at the way Potter has dealt with the big, talented squad at Chelsea and his measured approach.
      He added on BT Sport: “When you interview him he is very straight and doesn’t deviate from what he sees as his message.

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      “You can’t imagine him getting flustered, I never saw him flustered at Brighton. People were stupidly questioning him then.
      “Everyone in that squad will feel they have the opportunity to get back in the fold and become a big player at Chelsea.
      “Everyone is motivated. That wanes after time and he will know that.
      “After two or three months, Hakim Ziyech, I use him as an example, his motivation might start to slip and how do you deal with that?
      “I’m sure Graham Potter will address that when it comes. You are almost looking at things possibly down the line that could go wrong and how he will react.
      “He has ticked every box so far, all the players are at it, and his garden is rosy at the moment.”
      Potter’s side qualified for the Champions League knockout stages with Tuesday’s 2-1 win away at Red Bull Salzburg.

      That was his sixth victory in charge – with the three draws and 16 goals scored but just four conceded.
      Southgate will lead England at the World Cup in Qatar next month, his third major tournament.
      His contract does run until the end of 2024, covering the next Euros, but the ex-Middlesbrough man is under the most pressure in his six years in the job.
      England are winless in their last six matches and are struggling to score goals.
      And there is some speculation Southgate may decide to walk away after the World Cup, regardless of how far the team go.
      Another name linked with replacing Southgate is Steven Gerrard.
      The former national team captain enjoyed success in his first managerial job at Rangers but was sacked by Aston Villa last week.
      Mauricio Pochettino, Brendan Rodgers, Frank Lampard and Howe are among the other likely options to succeed Southgate at this stage.
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      Southgate must name his World Cup squad by November 13 as he prepares to face Iran, Wales and the United States in Group B.
      Should he lead the country all the way to glory, SunSport revealed he would pocket a whopping £4m bonus. More

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      World Cup Supercomputer reveals how Cristiano Ronaldo is set to struggle… with England heading for more penalty pain

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      A WORLD CUP supercomputer has predicted final heartbreak for Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal.An experiment conducted by BCA Research has found that Argentina will be the winners in Qatar, according to the data collected.
      Lionel Messi has been tipped to win the World Cup with ArgentinaCredit: Getty
      The supercomputer predicts Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo to finish runners-upCredit: AP
      England are expected to miss out on the final on penaltiesCredit: ©MI News & Sport Ltd
      And that means Ronaldo will be defeated in the World Cup final by nemesis Lionel Messi.
      Portugal have never reached the World Cup final but EA Sports FIFA video game player statistics and a sample of all real-life matches from the last four editions of the World Cup tip Fernando Santos’ side to reach the final.
      England have been tipped to replicate their performance in the previous World Cup by once again reaching the semi-final – only to lose on penalties to Portugal.
      The two teams have history in the competition with Sven Goran Eriksson’s 2006 side losing out to Portugal on penalties at the quarter-final stage.
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      The Three Lions are expected to win Group B ahead of Iran, Wales and the USA.
      Gareth Southgate’s side have been given an 84 per cent chance of winning their opening game against Iran.
      The match-up against the USA is closer to call with England given a 54 per cent likelihood of victory, and a 77 per cent chance of beating Wales.
      England have been predicted to then beat Senegal in the second round before taking on Mexico in the quarter-final.
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      England could face France at the quarter-final stage but the holders are predicted to finish as runners-up in Group D before losing to Argentina in the second round.
      England have been tipped to go all the way and win the World Cup by former boss Sam Allardyce.
      The ex-West Brom manager believes the squad is better than the Golden Generation of the noughties and claimed he would have guided England to become World Cup champions if he was still in charge. More

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      England’s Wags heading to World Cup to have extra security in Qatar with ‘ring of steel’ around them during tournament

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      THREE LIONS Wags will be given a “ring of steel” when they support England’s bid for World Cup glory.We can reveal many wives and girlfriends of England’s superstar players will have private security when they head out to Qatar next month. 
      England Wags are set to be out in forceCredit: Instagram
      Eric Dier’s girlfriend Anna Modler is likely to head to Qatar
      Georgina Irwin will be supporting fiance Aaron Ramsdale
      Sasha Attwood is set to support Jack Grealish in QatarCredit: Instagram @sasha__rebecca
      Some are paying for their own bodyguards, while SunSport understands the Football Association will also stump up cash to ensure players’ families are protected.
      Sources say security teams will be tasked to protect the families from robberies, and to ensure they don’t fall foul of the strict laws that exist in the Arabian Gulf.

      A source said: “There will be a ring of steel around the Wags. Many of the players are paying for their own security and the FA are taking steps too.
      “Remember, a lot of the wives and girlfriends flying out there will be taking jewellery and clothing worth hundreds of thousands of pounds. This makes them a target for robbers and criminals.”
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      The source added: “It’s very common now for players to take bodyguards on holiday with them, so having them at the World Cup, where the Wags could be for weeks, is the ultimate insurance policy.
      “It will help give the players a bit of peace of mind too and be able to concentrate on the football.“
      Last month The Sun told how many of the Three Lions Wags will enjoy a life of luxury aboard a €1billion cruise liner during this winter’s World Cup in Qatar.
      Several of the England players’ partners and families are set to be based on the MSC World Europa, described as a “floating palace”.
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      It has six pools, 14 ocean-view jacuzzis, dodgems, salons, boutiques, restaurants, bars and the longest dry-slide at sea.
      It will float around the Arabian Gulf with passengers able to be ferried to shore for any games.
      There is usually a booze ban in Qatar that can land flouters in jail, though “select areas” will allow it for the World Cup.
      But because the liner is “offshore”, guests can drink alcohol stress-free and sunbathe, unlike at some hotels. Guests could include model Anna Modler, 24, who is dating defender Eric Dier, and air hostess Georgina Irwin, 26, who is engaged to goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale. Packages will cost players’ families €6,500 (£5,600) each – a snip for England’s mega-rich footballers.
      Phil Foden’s girlfriend Rebecca Cooke, 22, is among those to have reportedly expressed an interest in staying on it along with the Manchester City ace’s family.
      Fern Maguire, 27, is also expected in the Middle East to support hubby Harry during the tournament, which starts in November.
      While some partners are likely to stay in nearby Dubai and fly in for matches, several have opted to make the MSC World Europa their base. 
      Speaking to The Sun on Sunday earlier this year a source said: “The boat is an amazing place to stay. It is like a floating palace, which is why many of the players’ wives and families quickly snapped up packages that the Football Association arranged.
      “Those staying on the boat can have at least five people with them and also pay for extra guests too. It means nannies and other family members are likely to be heading out to Qatar as well.
      “Due to the fact the boat is off shore, guests can have a drink and enjoy themselves without having to worry about falling foul of Qatar’s strict laws.
      “In many of the bars and clubs around Qatar, you can’t even cheer let alone order a beer. And they certainly don’t like football songs.
      “And many hotels aren’t even allowed sunbathing areas. But by staying on the boat, guests just relax and have a great time.
      “If England do go all the way, it’s likely to become like a carnival on board.”
      The ship can hold 6,762 guests and many fans are reported to still be trying to book rooms. Prices start at about €300 (£260) a night for a double/twin but rise to €690 (£600).
      Those staying on the 205,700- tonne ship are promised a “globally inspired urban design” and a “world of immersive experiences”.
      One of the highlights on deck, especially for children, is an incredible 11-deck high slide called The Venom Drop. Other water slides are also available. A Sportplex zone will offer basketball, bumper cars and even a roller disco rink.
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      Swimming pools, which include one inside with a sliding roof, have themes including “botanic garden”, “zen” or “beach vibes”.
      Gareth Southgate will name a 26-man squad for Qatar. Their first match will be against Iran on November 21 at Doha’s Khalifa International Stadium, the day after the tournament starts. 
      Many England Wags are set to stay aboard the MSC Europa
      Jordan Pickford’s wife Megan Davison wears his shirt last yearCredit: The Sun
      Rebecca Cooke supported Phil Foden at Euro 2020Credit: The Sun
      Fern Maguire has always been a huge support for hubby HarryCredit: Getty More

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      Winter World Cup suits me perfectly… I don’t have ANY time to get nervous, admits England wonderkid Jude Bellingham

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      JUDE BELLINGHAM is a young man with the world at his feet.Worshipped by the most  passionate supporters in European football, feted by Real Madrid along with every major Premier League club  and on the brink of his first World Cup.
      Dortmund teenager Jude Bellingham says he hasn’t even had time to properly think about the World Cup, even though it starts on November 21Credit: Reuters
      Bellingham heavily praised his Three Lions’ midfield partner Declan RiceCredit: Alamy
      Yet Borussia Dortmund’s teenage sensation claims a winter tournament will suit him perfectly — because he is too busy to get  nervous about Qatar.
      The brilliant Brummie insists he is striking up a perfect understanding with England midfield partner Declan Rice, a player he describes as ‘a master of his craft’.
      Bellingham, 19, is engrossed in life at Dortmund, the Bundesliga giants whose fanatical fanbase have taken him to their hearts.
      So engrossed that, with the World Cup little more than three weeks away, he has no time to worry about the prospect of playing on sport’s greatest stage.
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      Bellingham said: “It’s true that with the World Cup in mid-season, I haven’t got time to get nervous.
      “With the frequency of the games — how quick and how tough they’re coming, you don’t really get the chance to look a few weeks ahead. You’re not thinking ‘in a few weeks time I could be playing at a World Cup!’
      “Maybe when the time comes, there will be some nerves — that’s natural — but when a couple of weeks ago, we played in the cup against a second division team, I am not thinking about what a World Cup is going to be like.
      “I’m not holding back on any tackles — I’ve got a job to do, haven’t I? And I am going to do it to the best of my abilities.”
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      Bellingham produced his best performance in an England shirt in last month’s 3-3 draw against Germany and he believes he can dovetail perfectly with West Ham anchorman Rice.
      The former Birmingham star has been developing the attacking side of his game this season, having already scored eight goals for fifth-placed Dortmund.
      Bellingham’s club boss, Edin Terzic, who worked with Rice when he was Slaven Bilic’s No 2 at the Hammers, believes those two will dominate England’s midfield for a generation.
      Bellingham said: “Edin has never told me he worked with Declan but I saw it on Twitter the other day.
      “Declan is someone I admire a lot. He’s a top, top player.
      “He is really good at what he does — he masters his craft, the type of midfielder he is, he’s one of the very best.
      “I’ve played with him a few times now for England and it’s been a pleasure.
      “He allows me to do the things that I want to do with the ball, going forward, trying to get in and around the box, he gives you protection, so  we complement each other very well.
      “Goals are something I want to add to my game.
      “I’ve got eight this year and that’s the most I’ve ever got, even at this stage of the season.
      “I want to progress, I want to get better and it really helps when you play with top players like Declan alongside you.”
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      Bellingham and Rice look nailed-on to start England’s tournament opener against Iran on November 21.
      Although, as I spoke to Bellingham after Dortmund had secured their place in the Champions League knockout stage with a goalless draw against Manchester City, Kalvin Phillips walked past to remind us his World Cup hopes are not over.
      City midfielder Phillips, a £42million summer signing from Leeds, has started light training after the shoulder surgery which has kept him out for six weeks.
      He could yet make the plane to Qatar but Three Lions manager Gareth Southgate seems certain to start with Bellingham against Iran.
      It is clear Bellingham is relishing his experience in Dortmund, where the 25,000-strong Yellow Wall at the Westfalenstadion adore the young Englishman.
      He is a mature, articulate, likeable lad who conducted rounds of media interviews after Tuesday’s City clash.
      Asked about the atmosphere at his home ground, Bellingham said: “It’s unbelievable, isn’t it?
      “Speaking to the City lads, I think they were shocked by the noise.
      “You could see how happy the crowd were to be witnessing something like us going through.
      “I say to people, ‘This is not just a football stadium or a set of fans, it’s like an ‘experience’ playing here’. They’re that good, the fans on the Yellow Wall.
      “I’m really happy to play my  football here.
      “To learn here every week, I have a really good connection with the fans and I want to keep that up.”
      Man City midfielder Kalvin Phillips still hopes to make the World CupCredit: PA More

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      World Cup fans warned to steer clear of camels in Qatar over killer bug fears

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      FOOTIE fans banned from drinking, kissing, betting and vaping at the World Cup have now been told to steer clear of camels. There are fears thousands flocking to Qatar could be struck down by a killer bug which is deadlier than Covid.
      Camel flu, or MERS-CoV, is thought to have spread from bats to the desert dromedaries in neighbouring Saudi Arabia and can be transmitted to humans.Credit: Louis Wood
      Harry Kane will be leading the Three Lions out in the World Cup in NovemberCredit: Getty
      There are fears that thousands of fans flocking to Qatar could be struck down by the killer bugCredit: Louis Wood
      Camel flu, or MERS-CoV, is thought to have spread from bats to the desert dromedaries in neighbouring Saudi Arabia and can be transmitted to humans.
      Unlike Covid-19 there is no vaccine or treatment and fans following England and Wales have been warned to heed UK government advice.
      The Sun spotted a herd of camels near the England team’s Souq Al Wakra Hotel base outside Qatar’s capital Doha last week.
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      And just weeks ago our man Oliver Harvey took a trip on one of the ships of the desert to show what fans could enjoy between games.
      Yesterday, tourist companies were still advertising camel rides and safari trips.
      Fans heading to the strict Muslim nation will have to abide by bans on provocative clothing, kissing, hugging or drinking in public, men speaking to women they do not know and rude gestures.
      Homosexuals face jail and luggage will be screened for drugs, booze and porn.
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      Prof Paul Hunter, of the University of East Anglia, said: “Fans should steer clear of camels in Qatar.
      “That’s the common sense advice to reduce the risk of contracting the virus.
      “It’s a nasty bug, much deadlier than Covid-19 with a very high mortality rate, and there is currently no effective vaccine.”
      Government guidance says human-to-human spread has been limited inside hospitals and care homes but suggests camel contact is risky.
      World Health Organisation chiefs warned in August that about 80 per cent of cases were as a result of contact with infected camels or infected people in hospital.
      The bug, full name Middle East respiratory syndrome, has infected more than 2,000 people and killed at least 850 since it was first identified in Saudi in 2012.
      Experts fear it could soon spread from the Arabian peninsula to Africa through infected camels, which only exhibit mild symptoms.
      Two cases have been reported this year in Qatar, including a camel owner, 85, who later died in Doha.
      A farmer, 50, who drank camel milk has also died.
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      Qatar officials declined to comment and the FA did not respond to requests.
      Meanwhile, Covid controls including tests and proof of vaccination have been lifted.
      Thousands of England fans will travel to Qatar next month
      The Sun has previously reported on the perils of drinking alcohol in the strict Muslim nationCredit: Louis Wood
      The Sun’s chief feature writer Oliver Harvey has previously written about what fans will be able to expect if they travel to Qatar – where homosexuals are jailed and luggage will be screened for drugs, booze and pornCredit: Louis Wood More

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      Shocking warning to football fans travelling for World Cup leaves England supporters furious

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      ENGLAND supporters are furious after football fans travelling to Qatar for the World Cup were given a shocking warning.Foreign Secretary James Cleverly was today slammed for dishing out advice to members of the LGBT community who are planning to head out to cheer on the Three Lions.
      Gay England fans heading to the World Cup have been issued a ‘disgusting’ warningCredit: Getty
      Homosexuality is illegal in Qatar and punishable by up to three years in prison.
      When asked about gay fans heading over, Mr Cleverly today said: “One of the things I’d say to football fans is please do be respectful of the host nation.
      “They’re trying to ensure that people can be themselves and enjoy the football…
      “I think with a little bit of flex and compromise at both ends, it can be a safe and secure World Cup.”
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      LGBT people and allies rushed to social media to slam the “disgusting” and “inconsiderate” comments.
      One person fumed: “Apart from being totally the wrong tone, if I (god forbid) actually wanted to go and watch some football in Qatar with my male partner, I wouldn’t have the first idea what precisely we would need to ‘compromise’ on in order to not be arrested.
      “Empty and offensive.”
      Another added: “What does this even mean James Cleverly?
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      “How exactly are LGBTQ football fans to compromise? And what compromises will Qatar be making?”
      A third said: “I’m not remotely interested in football, but the idea that LGBTQ+ fans should ‘compromise’ their being in order to ‘respect’ an authoritarian regime which ignores human rights is appalling.
      “James Cleverly, you should be ashamed of yourself.”
      It comes after Qatar’s World Cup chief Nasser Al Khater insisted that gay supporters are able to hold hands throughout the showpiece – which runs from November 20 to December 18.
      He was adamant that no gay persons would be discriminated against in this respect.
      Al Khater added: “All we ask is for people to be respectful of the culture.
      “At the end of the day, as long as you don’t do anything that harms other people, if you’re not destroying public property, as long as you’re behaving in a way that’s not harmful, then everybody’s welcome and you have nothing to worry about.”
      Meanwhile heterosexual couples are also being warned about their behaviour.
      Fans caught having one-night stands at Qatar 2022 could face jail as extra-marital affairs could lead to seven years behind bars.
      Fifa have warned a hardline approach will be taken to ban casual sex at this winter’s tournament in the strict Arab country.
      A UK-based police source told the Daily Star: “Sex is very much off the menu, unless you are coming as a husband and wife team.
      “There definitely will be no one-night stands at this tournament.
      “There will be no partying at all really.
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      “Everyone needs to keep their heads about them, unless they want to risk ­being stuck in prison.
      “There is essentially a sex ban in place at this year’s World Cup for the first time ever. Fans need to be prepared.” More