Supporters were reportedly forced wait more than two hours to gain entry into Doha's fan park for the World Cup in Qatar.
Video footage of thousands of fans waiting outside of FIFA's 'Fan Festival' on Saturday has been shared on social media. Temperatures in Qatar reached up to 30C and the soaring heat will continue for the duration of the tournament due to the Gulf's climate.
Doha's fan park opened at 4pm local time, yet many supporters arrived earlier in the day to queue and guarantee their entry. Due to Qatar's strict alcohol laws, fan parks are one of the few places where fans can grab a pint of lager during controversial World Cup.
As reported by the Daily Mail, huge queues formed outside Doha's fan park by 3:30pm and the doors didn't open for another hour, 30 minutes later than planned. Those supporters queuing were not provided with water to stay hydrated, nor could they buy water.
It's claimed there are no water fountains anywhere around Doha's fan park. Two long queues were formed at either entrance, with one of those being shut off without an explanation. There was also no reason for the 30-minute delay in opening the fan park.
"We have been waiting here two hours," a Mexico fan told the Daily Mail. "We cannot buy any water, we did not bring any with us. We don't know when we will get inside, they [security] cannot tell us anything. Hopefully we can get in soon."
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Furthermore, a family from the USA were allegedly told to leave one of the queues after 45 minutes because their children would not be allowed in. They told the Daily Mail: "We can't go inside with the children, they are saying it won't be so nice for them in there."
Those fans who are lucky enough to enter the fan parks may also struggle with Qatar's heat. There is limited shade inside the outdoor areas and long queues for refreshments. Cans of Budweiser, the only beer on tap, are very expensive - priced at £11.60.
As reported by The Telegraph, FIFA are selling hospitality packages for fans who want to avoid the boiling sun in Doha's fan park - priced at up to £960 per day. That pays for a private dining and drinking area that overlooks those standing in the heat.
There are said to be cheaper hospitality packages available, yet they are still priced at £378 per day. Fan parks were initially introduced at previous World Cups as a place for attending fans to unite between games, but they have since become money spinners.
"This is the best place to be when you are not in the stadium," said FIFA's head of experiential marketing and promotion Gerdine Lindhout. "It will be a multidimensional, festival-like experience. It’s not just about football, it’s about gaming, lifestyle and amazing food. We have decided to go huge in Doha."
On heat, Lindhout added: "It is definitely hot but there are enough areas where there is a shadow and we have enough refreshing beverages so I do not see a problem there."
