The 2022 World Cup in Qatar is now less than two months away and the anticipation is building.
The hosts have invested billions to ensure they are ready to host FIFA’s flagship event.
Hopefully the tournament will provide some celebration after a difficult few years around the world amid the Covid pandemic.
The host country has partnered with the World Health Organization to ensure everyone is safe as coronavirus remains a major concern.
Covid restrictions and passes may be a thing of the past in England after a successful vaccination campaign, but things are going to be a little different in Qatar for players and fans.
What are the Covid rules for players?
Players from 32 countries will all descend on the Gulf state to compete in the World Cup.
Managers are allowed to take 26 players, meaning there will be 832 players plus staff and relatives.
We already know that there will be at least some players who have not been vaccinated or fully vaccinated, as John Stones, Phil Foden and Ilkay Gundogan were all denied entry to the United States earlier this year due their vaccination status.
All three are likely to be involved for England and Germany respectively, so there are bound to be many more.
But the rules for these players remain unclear.
Qatar’s official travel rules state that anyone who has not been vaccinated must self-isolate for five days.
It would be a nightmare for many teams, such as England with the Three Lions due to travel to Qatar six days before the start of the tournament.
If this rule were applied, they could find themselves without several players in training, and all the other teams could find themselves in the same situation.
But during the FIFA Arab Cup last December, unvaccinated players were not required to self-isolate and were instead subjected to increased testing in a bid to prevent an outbreak.
If this is the route they take, things would be much easier for every team participating in the World Cup.
However, as things stand, a final decision has yet to be made.
What are the Covid rules for fans?
Fans planning to travel to Qatar for the World Cup should know that being fully vaccinated is not enough.
You must provide proof of a negative PCR test 48 hours before your flight or of a Rapid Antigen test 24 hours before your departure.
This is non-negotiable and you could be refused entry if your test is not on time.
This test applies to all individuals, vaccinated and unvaccinated, while self-tests will not be accepted.
If you are not vaccinated, you will be required to self-isolate for five days upon arrival.
Supporters must also register their details on the Ehteraz website three days before departure.
This is a state-controlled site and essential for accessing the country. Fans also need to download the app, activate it once in Qatar, then connect to places just like you would with the NHS app.
Upon arrival, visitors may be required to participate in temperature checks and thermal screenings.
Finally, anyone traveling to Qatar for the World Cup must apply for a Hayya Card.
At the moment, only ticket holders can apply for one, but you won’t be allowed into any stadiums or certain areas if you don’t have this card.
Watch the World Cup with talkSPORT
At talkSPORT, we’re powered by fans, so come join us for the ultimate World Cup fan experience this winter – at the talkSPORT fan zone.
In a huge covered room under the arches of Waterloo in London, we will bring you live screenings of every World Cup game.
There will be Q&A with talkSPORT talent, you’ll be part of our live shows and plenty of food and drink will be on offer too.
Come and have the best World Cup fan experience in London – and enjoy a free pint – with tickets for the England and Wales group stage matches on sale now HERE!