New Delhi: Qatar is ready to host the FIFA World Cup 2022 starting on November 20. While the hosts are being criticised for various restrictions, the authorities have decided to remove the mandatory negative COVID-19 test for the fans. The news has come as a major relief for fans from different parts of the world coming to watch the sport.

Earlier, one was needed to carry proof of a negative COVID-19 test before departing on the flight or at the border crossing. The negative test was mandatory regardless of one’s vaccination status. Even Qatar residents are no longer required to take a COVID-19 test within 24 hours of returning from abroad.

The country’s health ministry issued a statement to inform football fans about the news. The statement said that the number of COVID cases is dropping in Qatar and all over the globe and the nation is also rolling out its National COVID-19 Vaccination Program, so negative COVID-19 certificates are not required. Previously, the authorities have also allowed citizens to go out without masks, while a face mask is still mandatory in healthcare facilities.

According to the Ministry of Public Health, Qatar recorded more than 4,40,000 COVID-19 cases and 692 deaths. The country has a population of nearly 3 million.

The FIFA World Cup 2022 begins on November 20, with Qatar facing Ecuador in the opening encounter. There are a total of 32 teams, divided into eight groups, competing for the cup. The World Cup finals will be played on December 18. Defending champions France is placed in group D and will start their campaign on November 22.