Violent football fans banned from travelling to World Cup

Football fans with football banning orders are being prevented from travelling to Qatar for the World Cup later this year.

From 10 November, 1308 disruptive and violent football fans subject to a football banning orders will have to hand their UK passports to the police until the end of the tournament. If they fail to do so, or attempt to travel to Qatar or neighbouring countries, they face up to 6 months in prison and an unlimited fine.

The passports will be returned after the tournament. Those wishing to travel to other countries during this time will have to seek permission to retain their passports and will be subject to thorough checks.

Police will also be intercepting known troublemakers at ports.

During the World Cup, UK and Qatari police will be gathering intelligence and fans who cause disruption during the tournament face arrest or a football banning order on return to the UK.