World Cup 2022: Qatar reportedly refunds fans for sub-standard accommodation

Qatar has reportedly issued refunds to fans staying in £170-a night accommodation during the World Cup, following a series of failures.

Since the tournament kicked off in Qatar on 20 November, complaints have been raised about the fan village porto-cabins at Rawdat Al Jahhaniya and Zafaran, as well as the tents at Qetaifan Island North.

Visitors posted videos on social media of arriving to accommodation at Rawdat al Jahhaniya that was still under construction, long queues to check in and poor quality finishings.

One visitor’s video, posted on 23 November, showed labourers working at night to finish cabins in the free zone, with boxes and rubbish piled high outside.

In another video, posted by a different visitor, people are shown queuing for their reserved rooms, only to be transported by bus to alternative accommodation.

There have also been reports of brown water coming from taps, leakages and sewage flooding the porto-cabins.

Cabins at Rawdat Al Jahhaniya and Zafaran cost £171 per night, while tents at Qetaifan Island North start at £172.

In light of these complaints, it has been reported that Qatar’s Supreme Committee, led by the Qatari government, has been forced to authorise full refunds. A spokesperson from the Supreme Committee told ESPN that they were aware of “delays checking into select fan village accommodation”, admitting to “owner and operator negligence”.

They said: "A section of units in these facilities, which are delivered and managed by different private entities, have not met the required standards that were advertised to fans.

“Full refunds are being offered to fans severely impacted by this issue as well as alternative accommodation which will be free of charge for the duration of their stay."

Qatar has been under strain to accommodate an influx of more than three million ticket holders, as well as workers, tourists and volunteers for the World Cup. With a population of almost three million itself, Qatar has had to create camping and cabin sites and turn cruise ships into hotels to house tourists. Fans have also been encouraged to stay in neighbouring countries, with controversial shuttle flights provided daily.

At a reported cost of $220 billion, this is the most expensive World Cup in history.

The Supreme Committee has been contacted for comment.