More than 1,300 fans from England and Wales who are under banning orders will not be allowed to travel to Qatar for next month’s soccer World Cup, the Home Office said.
The new measures, which take effect on Friday, ban fans with a history of football-related violence from traveling to the World Cup, which begins on November 20 and runs until December 18.
“We will not let the behavior of a minority of outlaws tarnish what will be an exciting tournament,” said Interior Minister Suila Braverman.
Last season saw a sharp increase in groundbreaking and crowd problems associated with English football, as the Premier League strengthened security measures to control misconduct ahead of the new season.
The Interior Ministry has warned that fans who break the rules could face up to six months in prison and an unlimited fine.
Anyone who has caused problems before and is likely to do so again will be banned from travelling.
“Violence, abuse and disorder will not be tolerated here, and this criminal behavior will not be tolerated at the World Cup, which is why we are taking this tough approach,” Braverman added.
TRT Arabic – Agencies