Qatar World Cup: Colchester footie fans shares his experience

But from the moment FIFA awarded the privilege of hosting the hallmark competition to Qatar back in December 2010, the event has been shrouded in controversy.

The Arab country’s abysmal human rights record has quite rightly been called into question, as has its treatment of women and draconian views on homosexuality.

Qatar’s lack of sporting and transport infrastructure also raised eyebrows, much like the decision to move the games from the summer to the middle of a domestic season.

Ahead of the first match kicking-off, reports also suggested migrants workers had died as a result of building the very stadiums our England stars are now playing in.

Unsurprisingly then, this year’s World Cup has transcended sport and been the keynote topic of many a conversation – regardless of whether you like football or not.

But what has the tournament experience really been like for the fans on the ground?

Ashley Thorton-Jones, a social media executive from Colchester, headed out to Qatar ahead of England’s second group game against the USA.

The five night trip, during which he saw the Three Lions draw 0-0 with our allies across the pond and beat Wales 3-0, set him back roughly £2,000.

This included his flights, match tickets, cruise ship accommodation which he thought was “great”, food and drink, and spending money.

He said: “I booked quite early and got tickets in one of the first ballots so I did quite well with what I paid, I think others paid a lot more for flights and accommodation.

“I didn't really have an impression of Qatar before I went, or at least I tried to keep an open mind to everything in light of the bad press.

“I was also quite aware my experience wouldn’t be reflective of what normal life is like there when a World Cup isn't being hosted.

“I didn't think the human rights issues which are going on there would necessarily be a reflection of the people there and I was right.”

According to Ashley, the security presence in Doha was surprisingly light and relaxed, despite concerns over how fans may be treated by the city’s officers.

Qatar’s zero tolerance approach to people drinking in public also didn’t get in the way of Ashley having a good time, thanks to a handful of alcohol-serving bars in the area.   

“The atmosphere was really good, it had a bit of a festival-feeling, and everyone was really friendly and just wanted to have a good time,” said Ashley, who travelled alone.

“There were lots of people from different cultures and the fellow fans were great - everyone was friendly enough for a chat, not just the English fans.

“From start to finish the people were incredibly welcoming, helpful and friendly, so I can’t fault the experience in that regard.”

Since being awarded the World Cup more than a decade ago, Qatar has been heavily accused of bribing FIFA’s top dogs in order to secure the coveted sporting event.

The claims have always been denied, but weeks before the tournament started former FIFA president Sepp Blatter described choosing Qatar as a “mistake”.

Despite reservations over whether Qatar could – or even should, given its human rights record - host a World Cup, Ashley believes the competition has been a success.

“I don't agree with the process from which they were awarded the tournament but from my experience they did as good a job as they could've putting it on,” he said.

“I think a lot of the problems that were posed by awarding it to Qatar, such as public transport and being able to fit everyone in, were dealt with really well.

“The stadiums were also good and in-line with what you would expect from a new stadium here in England or in Europe.

“I went to experience a World Cup but I was also interested in visiting Qatar as I have never been to that area of the world before and different cultures interest me.

“I think there's probably still a bit of work to be done before they can be considered a place people would want to flock to for a few days away.

“A lot of the laws and beliefs there quite simply aren't aligned with western culture, but I wouldn't shy away from visiting again if there was a reason for me to.”