Joint Asian qualifiers set to be played with fans present under MoPH protocols

QFA

The Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the remaining games in Group E of the joint Asian qualifiers for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar and the 2023 AFC Asian Cup in China has announced that the matches will be held with a spectator attendance of 30%. The Qatar Football Association is preparing to host the Group E fixtures, which will see five teams in action – Qatar, Oman, India, Afghanistan and Bangladesh – in Doha from 3-15 June 2021, with all the games being played at Jassim bin Hamad Stadium in Al Sadd Sports Club. The decision to allow a limited number of fans to attend the games comes in line with the instructions of the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH), in accordance with the plan to gradually lift the restrictions that have been imposed recently in the country in several phases to limit the spread of the Covid-19. As per the new measures, fans can attend local and international outdoor sports events, with a vaccinated spectator capacity of 30%. Throughout the competition, precautionary health protocol will be implemented with the aim of preserving the health and safety of all participating teams, organisers and the media alike. This follows the successful implementation of the protocol in previous events such as the AFC Champions League, the Amir Cup, and the Club World Cup, in addition to the recently held Total CAF Super Cup 2020. Tickets are available at a flat price of QR20, and will be put up for sale through the website of the Qatar Football Association: To ensure the safety and well-being of everyone in attendance, the LOC and MoPH have implemented the following measures: • 30% of the stadium capacity will be open to fans aged 12 and above who have either received both doses of the Covid-19 vaccine or have been infected by the virus during the preceding nine months, following the activation of the first phase of the gradual lifting of restrictions concerning sports events • All spectators and organisers must adhere to the preventative measures outlined by the MoPH in its protocol for the return of events, activities and exhibitions • No food or beverages may be served or taken into the stands by spectators • Spectators will not be permitted to gather at any point, inside or outside the stadium, particularly at entrances • Spectators must adhere to social distancing guidelines and wear masks at all times The health protocol includes providing complete medical services to the participants, whether at places of residence, training or stadiums, while field services and ambulance services will be provided around the clock. The preventive measures will cover all activities, whether outside or inside the stadium. The remaining Group E fixtures will be played over four rounds on the 3rd, 7th, 11th and 15th of June, with a total of seven matches. The Maroons team lead the group standings with 16 points from six games, compared to 12 points from five games for second-placed Oman. Afghanistan have 4 points, and India have 3, while Bangladesh are at the bottom of the group with 1 point.