Israelis to be allowed into Qatar for World Cup 2022
The Israeli government announced that its citizens will be allowed to travel to Qatar to attend the 2022 World Cup, despite the absence of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
The Israeli Ministries of Defense, Foreign Affairs and Sports said in a joint statement the day before yesterday: “FIFA confirmed that Israeli citizens will be able to enter Qatar during the World Cup and watch the games, just like all fans from around the world”, Reuters reported.
Israeli citizens, like other foreigners, will be allowed to obtain a visa online and prove they purchased a ticket, the statement added.
Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid tweeted: “This is a diplomatic achievement that fills the hearts of fans with joy”.
An Israeli diplomatic source told AFP the day before yesterday: “The agreement allowing Israelis to travel to Qatar to attend the World Cup does not include direct flights between the two countries”.
A Qatari official said: “Qatar has always said that all nationalities will be able to attend the World Cup”.
Israel will not take part in the championship, the last time it qualified for the 1970 World Cup finals and finished third in its group.
Qatar does not have announced diplomatic relations with Israel, but there are many aspects of cooperation, especially in the sports and cultural sectors.
