Mexico's World Cup Fans Told To Leave Tequila At Home

Tens of thousands of Mexicans heading to Qatar have been warned to leave the tequila at home as authorities seek to avoid a World Cup culture clash in the Muslim Gulf state. Fans from the Latin American nation are expected to make up one of the largest -- and most exuberant -- contingents of foreign supporters. "We like to sing, drink and dance all the time," said superfan Hector Chavez -- better known as Caramelo -- who has attended 10 World Cups in his trademark sombrero.

Fun-loving Mexicans are welcome in Doha provided they respect a few rules, said the businessman, named by the emirate as a fan "ambassador."

"It's forbidden to bring alcohol into Qatar," said Chavez, who will celebrate his 60th birthday in the Middle Eastern nation, where drinking in public is normally illegal.

Alcohol will be sold at special zones around the eight tournament stadiums before and after games, in a FIFA fan zone and some specially designated areas.

But the price of beer -- several times more expensive than in Mexico -- might be hard for the country's fans to swallow.

Chavez has tried to anticipate any possible trouble with rival fans in the small peninsula nation, where Mexico will face Argentina, Poland and Saudi Arabia in the group stage.

"I know the representative of the Argentinian supporters. If anything happens, I can call him to calm his troops," he said.

Mexico expects 80,000 of its citizens to visit Qatar.

They have paid between $14,000 and $20,000 each for a package including flights, accommodation and tickets to the three group-stage matches, according to the Mexican travel agents association.

"Many fans save for four years to be able to attend the World Cup," said its president, Eduardo Paniagua Morales.

It will be the most