Scotland fans offered alternative World Cup base if they reach Qatar but there's one small catch

Scotland's potential World Cup opponents Iran want to persuade thousands of the Tartan Army to stay there for the Qatar tournament after opening up their borders but there's a catch - drinking alcohol is highly illegal!

Steve Clarke's side could be up against Iran, along with England and the USA in the Finals in November if they defeat Ukraine and Wales in the play-offs in June.

Accommodation in the tiny Arabian nation is set to be extremely scarce with hotel rooms already costing fortunes and many fans would have to stay in nearby cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates before travelling to games.

But Iran has announced they will open their doors to football fans including potentially the notoriously thirsty Tartan Army to stay in their country while the Finals are going on.

Previously, tourists were banned unless they had special permission to visit the vast country from the Islamic Republic of Iran's government.

But they will waive visas for the World Cup duration and are encouraging fans to base themselves in the country, which is only a 45 minute flight away from Doha or a six-hour ferry ride.

However, it would be a dry visit for Scotland fans because drinking booze is completely off-limits. The UK Foreign Office advice states: "The import, sale, manufacture and consumption of alcohol in Iran is strictly forbidden on religious grounds, with exceptions only for certain recognised Iranian religious minorities (not foreigners). "Penalties can be severe."

But Iran's foreign minister Rostam Ghasemi said: "We want thousands of World Cup fans to stay in our beautiful country.

"We have signed an agreement with Qatar and there will be many more flights to Doha. There will be a visa waiver scheme for