Before the upcoming 2022 World Cup in Qatar, more than 1,300 “violent and abusive” football fans from the UK will be compelled to hand over their passports.
The new regulations, which are scheduled to go into effect on Friday (Oct. 14), will prevent people with banning orders from attending the tournament the following month.
According to the Home Office, those who seek to enter the competition but refuse to give up their passports run the possibility of receiving a six-month prison sentence and an unlimited fine. Starting on November 10, anyone of the 1,308 individuals subject to a ban who wants to maintain their passport in order to travel abroad must apply for permission and submit to scrutiny.
Boasting the 98% compliance rate back in 2018, Home Secretary Suella Braverman said: “We are all looking forward to cheering England and Wales on in Qatar and we will not let the behaviour of a minority of lawbreakers tarnish what will be an exciting tournament. 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.”
She added: “As with all events of this nature, we are working closely with the host authorities on the safety of British nationals attending and on delivering a successful and enjoyable event.”