Recently, the FA held a mysterious meeting with the England Football Wives and created an exhaustive list of codes designed to ensure that they abide by local customs during the World Cup and avoid potential international disputes.
According to The Sun, it has been revealed that the England Wives have been given an official notice that they must follow the following rules while watching the game in Qatar:
1. Dress appropriately in public places and venues
2. Drinking or shouting in public is strictly prohibited.
3. Prohibition of intimate contact with a partner in a public place
4. No loud music in public places
5. Prohibition of littering
6. Prohibition of photography outside Government buildings
Those who break these rules can face a fine of up to £6,000 and a year in prison.
For the World Cup in Qatar, England have been placed in Group B, competing in the same group as the notoriously strong USA, Iran and Wales. The England Wives Group will be on hand to support the team, and the Qatari authorities have provided the teams with appropriate guidance, so the English FA has made a point of reminding the Wives Group to prevent an embarrassing international situation.
In an earlier post-match press conference after the UEFA Europa League match against Germany, the FA had emphasized to the wives' group, "You need to understand that outside of the UK in Qatar, you, your husbands and boyfriends are not above the law. This is for your own protection and for the protection of your loved ones, where fines and prosecutions are commonplace. The Wives Group should be clear that Qatar is not the UK and no one will get special treatment."
The British Foreign Office has even advised that members of the wives' group must cover their shoulders with clothing and avoid wearing short skirts when traveling in Qatar.
