As the person responsible for the German fan embassy at the football World Cup in Qatar (November 20 to December 18), Philipp Beitzel sees “great uncertainties” among the fans traveling to the emirate.
“The Emir has indeed given the Home Secretary security guarantees for traveling fans, particularly in relation to LGBTIQ rights.
On the other hand, they have not been published anywhere before," said the 39-year-old officer at the Fan Projects Coordination Office (KOS) in Frankfurt/Main of the German Press Agency (dpa).
In addition, some regulations have been changed, for example the Covid regulations.
You might think that would make getting there easier, says Beitzel.
"But these are such short-term things that don't exactly increase confidence in the organizers." In principle, a World Cup atmosphere could already develop locally because fans from many nations come together.
"But it's questionable whether the general conditions are right, that an atmosphere develops that should actually make up a World Cup," said Beitzel.
Most recently, the Qatari World Cup ambassador Khalid Salman caused outrage with his homophobic statements.
In the ZDF documentary "Geheimsache Qatar", the former national player described being gay as "mental damage".
Beitzel pointed out that FIFA normally allows posters in the stadiums if they are not discriminatory: "If someone positions themselves for LGBTIQ rights, for example, or shows something in rainbow colors, it must be allowed under these rules.
But there is uncertainty about what is happening in public space.”
The English abbreviation LGBTIQ stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans people, intersex and queer people.
An often used additional asterisk is a placeholder for further identities and genders.
The German fan embassy, this time headed by Beitzel and Julia Zeyn, has already served as a point of contact not only for German fans at past tournaments.
She can be reached around the clock and has a permanent contact point the day before the DFB selection game, on the day of the game and the day after.
FIFA speaks of 35,000 World Cup tickets that have been sold to Germany.
The KOS assumes that 7,000 to 9,000 people from Germany will come to the World Cup over the course of the tournament.
"Bought" fan parades in the run-up to the World Cup?
The Organizing Committee of the World Cup has meanwhile objected to media reports about allegedly "bought" fan parades in the run-up to the World Cup finals.
"We firmly reject these claims, which are both disappointing and unsurprising," the Supreme Committee (SC) said on Wednesday.
"Fans from all over the world - many of whom have made Qatar their home - have recently added to the local atmosphere, organizing fan walks and parades across the country and hosting the various national teams at their hotels," the Qatari community said.
This was questioned by media representatives.
"In different places around the world, fans have different traditions and different ways of celebrating and while this may contrast with what people are used to in Europe or South America, it doesn't mean that the passion for football is any less authentic ", the statement said.
Media representatives "who speak to fans on site and meet them recognize the reality".
Reports had indicated that supporters would have had the option to stay in Qatar until the end of the tournament at the expense of the hosts.
Flights and accommodation are therefore included, and there should be pocket money equivalent to around 70 euros per day.
Around 450 fans from 59 countries are said to have been involved.
Supporters from Germany should also take part in the campaign.
At the request of the ARD sports show, the German Football Association (DFB) said that it was aware of the organizing committee's program but did not support it.
Dutch fans had recently confirmed on the NOS TV channel that they would take part in the paid program.
According to the report, in addition to supporting the World Cup in social networks, the opening ceremony should also play a role in the program.
According to this, 1,600 fans from all 32 participating teams should be seen cheering on television at the celebration.