A decision by authorities in Qatar to not allow the sale of alcohol before 12pm at a hotel has hit the plans of Wales fans hoping to gather there before their World Cup match against Iran.
The Intercontinental Doha City hotel has become the unofficial home of the Red Wall in Qatar, with match day parties planned before all three of Wales' group games. On Monday 1,600 fans were at the venue before Wales' historic 1-1 draw with USA in a good-natured party which saw Dafydd Iwan sing Yma o Hyd with fans.
On Friday the hotel was meant to host two Wales parties, one breakfast party before the Iran match in which breakfast was being served and one after. The post-match party will still go ahead. Wales play Iran at 1pm local time. But the party before the game has been cancelled after Qatari authorities decided it would not allow the sale of alcohol before 12pm at the venue.
Welsh fans have been warmly welcomed by fans of other countries in Qatar, with comedian and Welsh football fan Elis James describing how fans of several nations had asked for selfies after seeing the Welsh shirt. Walking around Doha in a Welsh shirt has also been described as "absolutely joyful". In the Intercontinental Hotel in Doha on Monday, fans took over six venues within the site, and were treated to a performance from brass band The Barry Horns as well as Dafydd Iwan.
On the first floor, events were hosted at the hotel's Curry House, as well as the hotel's Aussie Hive and Steak House. Meanwhile, on the ground floor, fans soaked up the action at the hotel's Al Jasla Garden lounge and La Parisienne, while some enjoyed the spectacular views at the Al Jasla Garden lounge.
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