Fans stay away from Qatar World Cup that doesn't make them dream

BERLIN: The Qatar World Cup was always going to be unique in several ways but one aspect FIFA would not have welcomed is that fans the world over are opting not to attend a tournament one supporter group said "doesn't make fans dream".

There are many factors involved, which individually might have been minor deterrents but, piled together, have made supporters who routinely follow their teams at huge expense decide to give this one a miss.

The shift from its usual summer holiday slot in June/July to the northern hemisphere winter, ending only a week before Christmas, because of high temperatures in the desert state has had a significant impact.

Strict entry requirements, sky-high high accommodation prices and concerns over Qatar's human rights and LGBTQ+ record have also dampened enthusiasm for the Nov 20-Dec 18 tournament.

Alcohol restrictions and the high cost of drinks, the fact that many of Doha's hotels won't be screening games due to licensing costs, and a lack of alternative entertainment in a city that has never really geared up for tourists have also convinced fans they will have more fun watching at home.

It is not just the world-weary "old hands" staying away either.

Wales are playing in their first World Cup since 1958 but Paul Corkrey of the Football Supporters' Association Cymru said: "We took 50,000 to the 2016 Euros in France so the response has been muted mainly because of the location and time of year it is being played,"

"I would expect 3,000 fans to actually travel from Wales, though there will be expats as well from the region."

Qatar, where foreigners make up the majority of the 2.9 million population, has come under severe scrutiny over its treatment of migrant workers.

"Qatar just doesn't have the best