INSERT INTO `tm_wsal_metadata` (`id`, `occurrence_id`, `name`, `value`) VALUES
(267576, 25874, 'ReportText', '<img class=\"aligncenter wp-image-8090 size-full\" src=\"http://www.tamimi.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/shutterstock_622400486-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"4000\" height=\"1707\" />\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">The 2022 FIFA World Cup™ is shaping up to be a momentous event. It will be the first to be held in the Middle East and the first to be hosted by an Arab country. It is well-known that the FIFA obligations imposed on a host country in relation to the tournament involve substantial changes to its laws in order to accommodate FIFA’s commercial, licensing and tax requirements, among other issues.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">This is not to say FIFA can simply impose its will and insist on complete changes to Qatar’s legal system. Qatar is a relatively conservative Arab country with traditional and established legal concepts and customs. While by necessity, and by virtue of similar situations at previous World Cups, changes will need to be made to certain local laws to meet FIFA requirements, such changes will need to be through agreements between the host country and FIFA.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Getting this balance right will result in mutual benefits for Qatar and FIFA to create a successful tournament as well developing an ongoing legacy for the host country in conjunction with the Qatar National Vision 2030. Some of these changes in law are still to be agreed while others may have already set in motion positive developments, as further shown below.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong><img class=\" wp-image-8088 alignleft\" src=\"http://www.tamimi.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/lnmn--1024x572.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"479\" height=\"268\" />Legal challenges</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">FIFA has strict requirements in respect of all aspects relating to a World Cup, from stadium construction, accommodation and transport to publicity and marketing matters related to the event. Changes to local laws are generally needed in order to allow for, among other things, FIFA to obtain all required Qatar government guarantees in respect of the World Cup, FIFA-designated goods and merchandise to be imported into Qatar free of customs duties, FIFA’s intellectual property (‘IP’) and authorised sponsors and licensees to be protected against unlawful third party actions such as sale of counterfeit goods and ambush marketing (see more below). FIFA also requires that it is exempted from taxation or otherwise favourably treated in respect of World Cup-related income.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">While there will be changes made to comply with such FIFA requirements it will generally still be necessary for persons doing business in Qatar to comply with existing Qatar laws, for example in respect of IP protection, events, customs and consumer protection, to the extent there is no conflict between the two.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Specific changes to laws and/or the enactment of enabling laws in respect of government guarantees, customs requirements and taxation have not yet been implemented. It is expected these will be agreed between Qatar and FIFA within an appropriate time period prior to the 2022 tournament, although the basis and extent of these new laws is not yet clear. It seems, however, that in respect of licensing and merchandising matters, such as in respect of ambush marketing and fake/counterfeit merchandise, the legal approach and position will be similar to that taken at previous World Cups, .</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong>Sponsorship and Merchandising</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Ambush marketing is essentially the unauthorised association by an entity of its products and/or services in respect of an event where it has no sponsorship or licensing rights. The entity is often a competitor of a duly authorised event sponsor/licensee. The aim, via clever marketing and the pushing of legal boundaries, is to create the perception (and obtain the related commercial value) of the ambushing entity being associated with the event in question, to the detriment and loss of the authorised event sponsor or licensee who has paid a substantial amount for such privilege.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Fake/counterfeit merchandising involves the sale to the public of event-themed and event-linked goods where the sellers are not authorised to do so and/or where the actual goods being sold have been not produced under authorised licence.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">As with previous World Cup tournaments, the intention of the Qatar authorities and FIFA is not to take a heavy-handed approach but at the same time ensure that action is taken quickly and decisively against any infringing persons. Special investigative units and courts specifically to deal with cases of ambush marketing and counterfeit merchandise will be created. This will involve enabling legislation being introduced to allow authorised officials to monitor and stop infringements by conducting local investigations and court hearings and issuing immediate fines to perpetrators. The plan is not to provide for any jail sentences but in all cases the infringing goods would be confiscated.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">These additional legal provisions will be supplementary to existing Qatari copyright and trademark laws which protect IP and related licensing rights in accordance with international standards. FIFA has also published an exhaustive and extremely strict code of what it considers to be unacceptable marketing practices surrounding its World Cup tournament.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong>Customs and Consumer Protection</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Irrespective of specific agreements reached with FIFA, any goods coming into Qatar in connection with the World Cup will need to comply with the existing Customs Law, whereby the General Authority of Customs have the right not to permit any goods to clear customs and enter Qatar unless such goods have been approved by the relevant authority.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Incoming goods will also need to comply with the existing Consumer Protection Law. This gives consumers in Qatar the right, amongst others, to return defective products, to the repair or replacement of any defective products and the right to receive accurate information about the products. The Consumer Protection Law prohibits the sale or marketing of defective or expired goods, with goods considered defective if they do not comply with specific standards, are unfit for purpose or have expired.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">The Electronic Commerce Law also addresses certain consumer rights by stating that its provisions are applicable to the provisions of the Consumer Protection Law. This ensures that both physical and online sales and marketing transactions are covered in relation to counterfeit goods.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong><img class=\"alignright wp-image-8092 \" src=\"http://www.tamimi.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/dgdd-589x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"211\" height=\"367\" />Tourism and Events Management</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">The provisions of the Tourism Licensing Law, which govern business activities in the tourism sector within Qatar, are applicable to the hotel and other industries within the tourism sector. They will impact related World Cup activities and ventures. The law regulates ‘tourism establishments’, defined as places operating mainly to accommodate tourists, such as entertainment establishments and specialised clubs, and other places allocated to provide services for tourists, such as tourism offices, offices offering tourist transport, tourist guide offices and time-sharing places, and any other establishment deemed to be a tourist establishment in accordance with a decision of the Minister of Economy and Commerce or the proposal of the President of the Qatar Tourism Authority. It also covers ‘tourism activities’: any activity of the transport of tourists including the transport of tourists on trips onshore or offshore, the activities of tour guides, time-sharing and any other activity deemed to be a tourist activity in accordance with a decision of the Minister of Economy and Commerce or the proposal of the President of the Qatar Tourism Authority.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Under the Tourism Licensing Law, a licence is required to establish or manage a hotel or tourist establishment or to practise any tourist activity. Applications for such a licence is made to the Qatar Tourism Authority and all hotel and/or tour operators wishing to conduct such activities in relation to the 2022 World Cup will need to be aware of such requirement.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong>Gambling</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">As with all major sporting events, the World Cup will generate substantial gambling activities. Gambling is prohibited in Qatar in all forms, whether land-based or online, as well as the advertising of gambling activities. Accordingly it is unlikely that any gambling will be tolerated and any offenders would face prosecution. The risk of enforcement against an online gambling operator outside of Qatar is lower but the offending website could be blocked by the authorities pursuant to provisions under the Cybercrime Law, which also provide for the confiscation of all devices, software or equipment used in the commission of the offence and the confiscation of any funds obtained from such offence.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong><img class=\"wp-image-8093 alignleft\" src=\"http://www.tamimi.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/shutterstock_1059032999-Converted-1024x896.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"310\" height=\"288\" />Worker’s Rights and Laws</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Due to the extensive construction and infrastructure projects associated with the 2022 World Cup in terms of stadiums, accommodation and transport, a lot of attention has been focused on the rights and welfare of the many workers who will be engaged on these projects. Certain rights and protections are granted to workers in Qatar under the Labour Law and these have been further supplemented pursuant to the adoption in 2013 of specific workers’ charters by the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy (the ‘SC 2022’) and Qatar Foundation for Science, Education and Community Development (the ‘Qatar Foundation’).</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">The Labour Law provides workers with certain rights and protections in respect of the provision of necessary equipment, the nature of work to be performed, remuneration, working hours and holidays, annual and sick leave, other forms of leave, occupational health and safety, compensation for accidents and death, end-of-service gratuity and repatriation obligation upon termination. Non-Qatari workers are not permitted to form worker committees, unions or similar collective organisations.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">The SC 2022’s Workers’ Welfare Standards charter, which covers all workers engaged in the World Cup stadium construction and infrastructure projects overseen by the SC 2022, says additional protections are provided to such workers requiring all its contractors and subcontractors for stadium-related projects to comply with such charter. These protections include, without limitation, ethical recruitment and fair treatment, employment offer minimum requirements, responsibility for relocation costs to Qatar, no retention of worker passports or other personal documents, dignified and ethical employment conditions, the provision of medical insurance, accommodation and food standards, reporting requirements for employers, the creation of workers’ welfare forums, transportation and site requirements and access to information in an appropriate language.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">The Qatar Foundation Mandatory Standards of Migrant Workers’ Welfare document provides similar additional rights and protections for workers involved in all Qatar Foundation projects, which includes one of the World Cup 2022 stadiums and related facilities. The Qatar Foundation charter sets out certain minimum standards with regards to the recruitment, living and working conditions of workers engaged in construction and other projects at the Qatar Foundation. These standards are applicable to, and compliance is required from, all contractors and subcontractors of Qatar Foundation. The required standards include, without limitation, preparation of a welfare adherence plan and related audit, workers being informed as to all entitlements, a safe and healthy work environment, a clean, safe and healthy living environment, equal and humane treatment, equal pay for equal work, regulated working hours, medical insurance and skills training.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong>Accessibility Requirements</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Accessibility to stadiums for disabled persons and/or persons in wheelchairs is a mandatory requirement of FIFA for all stadiums constructed for a World Cup tournament. In this respect, the SC 2022 is ensuring that all World Cup 2022 venues will be accessible to persons with disabilities so as to make the event inclusive for all. Pursuant to this requirement, accessibility is incorporated into all areas of stadium and venue design such as seating, entry and exit points, parking and toilet facilities. The SC 2022 has advised that the amount of seating for disabled persons (including for disabled media representatives) will be based on the size of each stadium and will include places for people with autism as well.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">From a local perspective there is no substantial legal provision in respect of accessibility requirements for persons with disabilities. In terms of the Qatari Law in respect of People with Special Needs, there is a general requirement to provide people with special needs with, inter alia, the means for assisted transport and equipment, accommodation for safe and secure movement as well as special facilities in public places. The Ministry of Municipality and Environment covers some of these aspects in terms of its requirements for building works, along with various other ministries and local authorities in relation to building matters, but these requirements do not extend as far as those of FIFA in terms of accessibility. However, the overall scope of the World Cup 2022 requirements would seem to imply accessibility requirements for disabled persons will inevitably need to be extended to other World Cup-related areas such as hotels and accommodation, airport and transport facilities and fan zones in order to be compatible with those at the stadium venues.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong>Summary</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">FIFA has strict benchmarks to meet when it comes to the stadiums, facilities, logistics and publicity for World Cup events while Qatar has strict legislation that cannot be easily or quickly changed. The attaining of a mutually beneficial solution will take time but can be achieved after undertaking detailed research and analysis to understand the laws that may need to be enacted or changed to host the tournament.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">There are plenty of precedents for this. South Africa for instance enacted a law to enable speedy trials in special courts in respect of crimes by fans, Brazil enacted legislation to accommodate FIFA requirements and Russia, the 2018 hosts, have also made changes to their laws in connection with the World Cup.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">The process of analysis is well under way in Qatar and changes to laws and standards in connection with World Cup 2022 have been and continue to be considered. The prospects seem to be in place for finding a solution that satisfies external and internal stakeholders, ensures a successful tournament for FIFA and the host nation as well leaving a meaningful legacy of progressive standards and legal considerations.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><em><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8030\" src=\"http://www.tamimi.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/KJBNKJN.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"5043\" height=\"1477\" /></em></p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">NB: A version of this article was first published during the week of 18 June 2018 on Lawinsport.com.</p>\r\n<em>Al Tamimi &amp; Company’s TMT team regularly advises on the full spectrum of technology, media and telecommunications matters and Roberto routinely provides key support to our Sports Law and Events Management practice. For further information please contact Steve Bainbridge (s.bainbridge@tamimi.com) or Roberto Lusardi (r.lusardi@tamimi.com).</em>|<img class=\"aligncenter wp-image-8090 size-full\" src=\"http://www.tamimi.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/shutterstock_622400486-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"4000\" height=\"1707\" />\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">The 2022 FIFA World Cup™ is shaping up to be a momentous event. It will be the first to be held in the Middle East and the first to be hosted by an Arab country. It is well-known that the FIFA obligations imposed on a host country in relation to the tournament involve substantial changes to its laws in order to accommodate FIFA’s commercial, licensing and tax requirements, among other issues.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">This is not to say FIFA can simply impose its will and insist on complete changes to Qatar’s legal system. Qatar is a relatively conservative Arab country with traditional and established legal concepts and customs. While by necessity, and by virtue of similar situations at previous World Cups, changes will need to be made to certain local laws to meet FIFA requirements, such changes will need to be through agreements between the host country and FIFA.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Getting this balance right will result in mutual benefits for Qatar and FIFA to create a successful tournament as well developing an ongoing legacy for the host country in conjunction with the Qatar National Vision 2030. Some of these changes in law are still to be agreed while others may have already set in motion positive developments, as further shown below.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong><img class=\" wp-image-8088 alignleft\" src=\"http://www.tamimi.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/lnmn--1024x572.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"479\" height=\"268\" />Legal challenges</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">FIFA has strict requirements in respect of all aspects relating to a World Cup, from stadium construction, accommodation and transport to publicity and marketing matters related to the event. Changes to local laws are generally needed in order to allow for, among other things, FIFA to obtain all required Qatar government guarantees in respect of the World Cup, FIFA-designated goods and merchandise to be imported into Qatar free of customs duties, FIFA’s intellectual property (‘IP’) and authorised sponsors and licensees to be protected against unlawful third party actions such as sale of counterfeit goods and ambush marketing (see more below). FIFA also requires that it is exempted from taxation or otherwise favourably treated in respect of World Cup-related income.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">While there will be changes made to comply with such FIFA requirements it will generally still be necessary for persons doing business in Qatar to comply with existing Qatar laws, for example in respect of IP protection, events, customs and consumer protection, to the extent there is no conflict between the two.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Specific changes to laws and/or the enactment of enabling laws in respect of government guarantees, customs requirements and taxation have not yet been implemented. It is expected these will be agreed between Qatar and FIFA within an appropriate time period prior to the 2022 tournament, although the basis and extent of these new laws is not yet clear. It seems, however, that in respect of licensing and merchandising matters, such as in respect of ambush marketing and fake/counterfeit merchandise, the legal approach and position will be similar to that taken at previous World Cups, .</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong>Sponsorship and Merchandising</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Ambush marketing is essentially the unauthorised association by an entity of its products and/or services in respect of an event where it has no sponsorship or licensing rights. The entity is often a competitor of a duly authorised event sponsor/licensee. The aim, via clever marketing and the pushing of legal boundaries, is to create the perception (and obtain the related commercial value) of the ambushing entity being associated with the event in question, to the detriment and loss of the authorised event sponsor or licensee who has paid a substantial amount for such privilege.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Fake/counterfeit merchandising involves the sale to the public of event-themed and event-linked goods where the sellers are not authorised to do so and/or where the actual goods being sold have been not produced under authorised licence.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">As with previous World Cup tournaments, the intention of the Qatar authorities and FIFA is not to take a heavy-handed approach but at the same time ensure that action is taken quickly and decisively against any infringing persons. Special investigative units and courts specifically to deal with cases of ambush marketing and counterfeit merchandise will be created. This will involve enabling legislation being introduced to allow authorised officials to monitor and stop infringements by conducting local investigations and court hearings and issuing immediate fines to perpetrators. The plan is not to provide for any jail sentences but in all cases the infringing goods would be confiscated.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">These additional legal provisions will be supplementary to existing Qatari copyright and trademark laws which protect IP and related licensing rights in accordance with international standards. FIFA has also published an exhaustive and extremely strict code of what it considers to be unacceptable marketing practices surrounding its World Cup tournament.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong>Customs and Consumer Protection</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Irrespective of specific agreements reached with FIFA, any goods coming into Qatar in connection with the World Cup will need to comply with the existing Customs Law, whereby the General Authority of Customs have the right not to permit any goods to clear customs and enter Qatar unless such goods have been approved by the relevant authority.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Incoming goods will also need to comply with the existing Consumer Protection Law. This gives consumers in Qatar the right, amongst others, to return defective products, to the repair or replacement of any defective products and the right to receive accurate information about the products. The Consumer Protection Law prohibits the sale or marketing of defective or expired goods, with goods considered defective if they do not comply with specific standards, are unfit for purpose or have expired.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">The Electronic Commerce Law also addresses certain consumer rights by stating that its provisions are applicable to the provisions of the Consumer Protection Law. This ensures that both physical and online sales and marketing transactions are covered in relation to counterfeit goods.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong><img class=\"alignright wp-image-8092 \" src=\"http://www.tamimi.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/dgdd-589x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"211\" height=\"367\" />Tourism and Events Management</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">The provisions of the Tourism Licensing Law, which govern business activities in the tourism sector within Qatar, are applicable to the hotel and other industries within the tourism sector. They will impact related World Cup activities and ventures. The law regulates ‘tourism establishments’, defined as places operating mainly to accommodate tourists, such as entertainment establishments and specialised clubs, and other places allocated to provide services for tourists, such as tourism offices, offices offering tourist transport, tourist guide offices and time-sharing places, and any other establishment deemed to be a tourist establishment in accordance with a decision of the Minister of Economy and Commerce or the proposal of the President of the Qatar Tourism Authority. It also covers ‘tourism activities’: any activity of the transport of tourists including the transport of tourists on trips onshore or offshore, the activities of tour guides, time-sharing and any other activity deemed to be a tourist activity in accordance with a decision of the Minister of Economy and Commerce or the proposal of the President of the Qatar Tourism Authority.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Under the Tourism Licensing Law, a licence is required to establish or manage a hotel or tourist establishment or to practise any tourist activity. Applications for such a licence is made to the Qatar Tourism Authority and all hotel and/or tour operators wishing to conduct such activities in relation to the 2022 World Cup will need to be aware of such requirement.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong>Gambling</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">As with all major sporting events, the World Cup will generate substantial gambling activities. Gambling is prohibited in Qatar in all forms, whether land-based or online, as well as the advertising of gambling activities. Accordingly it is unlikely that any gambling will be tolerated and any offenders would face prosecution. The risk of enforcement against an online gambling operator outside of Qatar is lower but the offending website could be blocked by the authorities pursuant to provisions under the Cybercrime Law, which also provide for the confiscation of all devices, software or equipment used in the commission of the offence and the confiscation of any funds obtained from such offence.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong><img class=\"wp-image-8093 alignleft\" src=\"http://www.tamimi.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/shutterstock_1059032999-Converted-1024x896.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"344\" height=\"301\" />Worker’s Rights and Laws</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Due to the extensive construction and infrastructure projects associated with the 2022 World Cup in terms of stadiums, accommodation and transport, a lot of attention has been focused on the rights and welfare of the many workers who will be engaged on these projects. Certain rights and protections are granted to workers in Qatar under the Labour Law and these have been further supplemented pursuant to the adoption in 2013 of specific workers’ charters by the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy (the ‘SC 2022’) and Qatar Foundation for Science, Education and Community Development (the ‘Qatar Foundation’).</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">The Labour Law provides workers with certain rights and protections in respect of the provision of necessary equipment, the nature of work to be performed, remuneration, working hours and holidays, annual and sick leave, other forms of leave, occupational health and safety, compensation for accidents and death, end-of-service gratuity and repatriation obligation upon termination. Non-Qatari workers are not permitted to form worker committees, unions or similar collective organisations.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">The SC 2022’s Workers’ Welfare Standards charter, which covers all workers engaged in the World Cup stadium construction and infrastructure projects overseen by the SC 2022, says additional protections are provided to such workers requiring all its contractors and subcontractors for stadium-related projects to comply with such charter. These protections include, without limitation, ethical recruitment and fair treatment, employment offer minimum requirements, responsibility for relocation costs to Qatar, no retention of worker passports or other personal documents, dignified and ethical employment conditions, the provision of medical insurance, accommodation and food standards, reporting requirements for employers, the creation of workers’ welfare forums, transportation and site requirements and access to information in an appropriate language.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">The Qatar Foundation Mandatory Standards of Migrant Workers’ Welfare document provides similar additional rights and protections for workers involved in all Qatar Foundation projects, which includes one of the World Cup 2022 stadiums and related facilities. The Qatar Foundation charter sets out certain minimum standards with regards to the recruitment, living and working conditions of workers engaged in construction and other projects at the Qatar Foundation. These standards are applicable to, and compliance is required from, all contractors and subcontractors of Qatar Foundation. The required standards include, without limitation, preparation of a welfare adherence plan and related audit, workers being informed as to all entitlements, a safe and healthy work environment, a clean, safe and healthy living environment, equal and humane treatment, equal pay for equal work, regulated working hours, medical insurance and skills training.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong>Accessibility Requirements</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Accessibility to stadiums for disabled persons and/or persons in wheelchairs is a mandatory requirement of FIFA for all stadiums constructed for a World Cup tournament. In this respect, the SC 2022 is ensuring that all World Cup 2022 venues will be accessible to persons with disabilities so as to make the event inclusive for all. Pursuant to this requirement, accessibility is incorporated into all areas of stadium and venue design such as seating, entry and exit points, parking and toilet facilities. The SC 2022 has advised that the amount of seating for disabled persons (including for disabled media representatives) will be based on the size of each stadium and will include places for people with autism as well.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">From a local perspective there is no substantial legal provision in respect of accessibility requirements for persons with disabilities. In terms of the Qatari Law in respect of People with Special Needs, there is a general requirement to provide people with special needs with, inter alia, the means for assisted transport and equipment, accommodation for safe and secure movement as well as special facilities in public places. The Ministry of Municipality and Environment covers some of these aspects in terms of its requirements for building works, along with various other ministries and local authorities in relation to building matters, but these requirements do not extend as far as those of FIFA in terms of accessibility. However, the overall scope of the World Cup 2022 requirements would seem to imply accessibility requirements for disabled persons will inevitably need to be extended to other World Cup-related areas such as hotels and accommodation, airport and transport facilities and fan zones in order to be compatible with those at the stadium venues.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong>Summary</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">FIFA has strict benchmarks to meet when it comes to the stadiums, facilities, logistics and publicity for World Cup events while Qatar has strict legislation that cannot be easily or quickly changed. The attaining of a mutually beneficial solution will take time but can be achieved after undertaking detailed research and analysis to understand the laws that may need to be enacted or changed to host the tournament.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">There are plenty of precedents for this. South Africa for instance enacted a law to enable speedy trials in special courts in respect of crimes by fans, Brazil enacted legislation to accommodate FIFA requirements and Russia, the 2018 hosts, have also made changes to their laws in connection with the World Cup.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">The process of analysis is well under way in Qatar and changes to laws and standards in connection with World Cup 2022 have been and continue to be considered. The prospects seem to be in place for finding a solution that satisfies external and internal stakeholders, ensures a successful tournament for FIFA and the host nation as well leaving a meaningful legacy of progressive standards and legal considerations.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><em><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8030\" src=\"http://www.tamimi.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/KJBNKJN.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"5043\" height=\"1477\" /></em></p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">NB: A version of this article was first published during the week of 18 June 2018 on Lawinsport.com.</p>\r\n<em>Al Tamimi &amp; Company’s TMT team regularly advises on the full spectrum of technology, media and telecommunications matters and Roberto routinely provides key support to our Sports Law and Events Management practice. For further information please contact Steve Bainbridge (s.bainbridge@tamimi.com) or Roberto Lusardi (r.lusardi@tamimi.com).</em>'),
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(267622, 25878, 'MetaValueNew', '<img class=\"aligncenter wp-image-8090 size-full\" src=\"http://www.tamimi.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/shutterstock_622400486-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"4000\" height=\"1707\" />\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">The 2022 FIFA World Cup™ is shaping up to be a momentous event. It will be the first to be held in the Middle East and the first to be hosted by an Arab country. It is well-known that the FIFA obligations imposed on a host country in relation to the tournament involve substantial changes to its laws in order to accommodate FIFA’s commercial, licensing and tax requirements, among other issues.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">This is not to say FIFA can simply impose its will and insist on complete changes to Qatar’s legal system. Qatar is a relatively conservative Arab country with traditional and established legal concepts and customs. While by necessity, and by virtue of similar situations at previous World Cups, changes will need to be made to certain local laws to meet FIFA requirements, such changes will need to be through agreements between the host country and FIFA.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Getting this balance right will result in mutual benefits for Qatar and FIFA to create a successful tournament as well developing an ongoing legacy for the host country in conjunction with the Qatar National Vision 2030. Some of these changes in law are still to be agreed while others may have already set in motion positive developments, as further shown below.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong><img class=\" wp-image-8088 alignleft\" src=\"http://www.tamimi.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/lnmn--1024x572.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"479\" height=\"268\" />Legal challenges</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">FIFA has strict requirements in respect of all aspects relating to a World Cup, from stadium construction, accommodation and transport to publicity and marketing matters related to the event. Changes to local laws are generally needed in order to allow for, among other things, FIFA to obtain all required Qatar government guarantees in respect of the World Cup, FIFA-designated goods and merchandise to be imported into Qatar free of customs duties, FIFA’s intellectual property (‘IP’) and authorised sponsors and licensees to be protected against unlawful third party actions such as sale of counterfeit goods and ambush marketing (see more below). FIFA also requires that it is exempted from taxation or otherwise favourably treated in respect of World Cup-related income.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">While there will be changes made to comply with such FIFA requirements it will generally still be necessary for persons doing business in Qatar to comply with existing Qatar laws, for example in respect of IP protection, events, customs and consumer protection, to the extent there is no conflict between the two.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Specific changes to laws and/or the enactment of enabling laws in respect of government guarantees, customs requirements and taxation have not yet been implemented. It is expected these will be agreed between Qatar and FIFA within an appropriate time period prior to the 2022 tournament, although the basis and extent of these new laws is not yet clear. It seems, however, that in respect of licensing and merchandising matters, such as in respect of ambush marketing and fake/counterfeit merchandise, the legal approach and position will be similar to that taken at previous World Cups, .</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong>Sponsorship and Merchandising</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Ambush marketing is essentially the unauthorised association by an entity of its products and/or services in respect of an event where it has no sponsorship or licensing rights. The entity is often a competitor of a duly authorised event sponsor/licensee. The aim, via clever marketing and the pushing of legal boundaries, is to create the perception (and obtain the related commercial value) of the ambushing entity being associated with the event in question, to the detriment and loss of the authorised event sponsor or licensee who has paid a substantial amount for such privilege.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Fake/counterfeit merchandising involves the sale to the public of event-themed and event-linked goods where the sellers are not authorised to do so and/or where the actual goods being sold have been not produced under authorised licence.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">As with previous World Cup tournaments, the intention of the Qatar authorities and FIFA is not to take a heavy-handed approach but at the same time ensure that action is taken quickly and decisively against any infringing persons. Special investigative units and courts specifically to deal with cases of ambush marketing and counterfeit merchandise will be created. This will involve enabling legislation being introduced to allow authorised officials to monitor and stop infringements by conducting local investigations and court hearings and issuing immediate fines to perpetrators. The plan is not to provide for any jail sentences but in all cases the infringing goods would be confiscated.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">These additional legal provisions will be supplementary to existing Qatari copyright and trademark laws which protect IP and related licensing rights in accordance with international standards. FIFA has also published an exhaustive and extremely strict code of what it considers to be unacceptable marketing practices surrounding its World Cup tournament.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong>Customs and Consumer Protection</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Irrespective of specific agreements reached with FIFA, any goods coming into Qatar in connection with the World Cup will need to comply with the existing Customs Law, whereby the General Authority of Customs have the right not to permit any goods to clear customs and enter Qatar unless such goods have been approved by the relevant authority.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Incoming goods will also need to comply with the existing Consumer Protection Law. This gives consumers in Qatar the right, amongst others, to return defective products, to the repair or replacement of any defective products and the right to receive accurate information about the products. The Consumer Protection Law prohibits the sale or marketing of defective or expired goods, with goods considered defective if they do not comply with specific standards, are unfit for purpose or have expired.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">The Electronic Commerce Law also addresses certain consumer rights by stating that its provisions are applicable to the provisions of the Consumer Protection Law. This ensures that both physical and online sales and marketing transactions are covered in relation to counterfeit goods.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong><img class=\"alignright wp-image-8092 \" src=\"http://www.tamimi.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/dgdd-589x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"211\" height=\"367\" />Tourism and Events Management</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">The provisions of the Tourism Licensing Law, which govern business activities in the tourism sector within Qatar, are applicable to the hotel and other industries within the tourism sector. They will impact related World Cup activities and ventures. The law regulates ‘tourism establishments’, defined as places operating mainly to accommodate tourists, such as entertainment establishments and specialised clubs, and other places allocated to provide services for tourists, such as tourism offices, offices offering tourist transport, tourist guide offices and time-sharing places, and any other establishment deemed to be a tourist establishment in accordance with a decision of the Minister of Economy and Commerce or the proposal of the President of the Qatar Tourism Authority. It also covers ‘tourism activities’: any activity of the transport of tourists including the transport of tourists on trips onshore or offshore, the activities of tour guides, time-sharing and any other activity deemed to be a tourist activity in accordance with a decision of the Minister of Economy and Commerce or the proposal of the President of the Qatar Tourism Authority.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Under the Tourism Licensing Law, a licence is required to establish or manage a hotel or tourist establishment or to practise any tourist activity. Applications for such a licence is made to the Qatar Tourism Authority and all hotel and/or tour operators wishing to conduct such activities in relation to the 2022 World Cup will need to be aware of such requirement.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong>Gambling</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">As with all major sporting events, the World Cup will generate substantial gambling activities. Gambling is prohibited in Qatar in all forms, whether land-based or online, as well as the advertising of gambling activities. Accordingly it is unlikely that any gambling will be tolerated and any offenders would face prosecution. The risk of enforcement against an online gambling operator outside of Qatar is lower but the offending website could be blocked by the authorities pursuant to provisions under the Cybercrime Law, which also provide for the confiscation of all devices, software or equipment used in the commission of the offence and the confiscation of any funds obtained from such offence.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong><img class=\"wp-image-8093 alignleft\" src=\"http://www.tamimi.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/shutterstock_1059032999-Converted-1024x896.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"376\" height=\"329\" />Worker’s Rights and Laws</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Due to the extensive construction and infrastructure projects associated with the 2022 World Cup in terms of stadiums, accommodation and transport, a lot of attention has been focused on the rights and welfare of the many workers who will be engaged on these projects. Certain rights and protections are granted to workers in Qatar under the Labour Law and these have been further supplemented pursuant to the adoption in 2013 of specific workers’ charters by the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy (the ‘SC 2022’) and Qatar Foundation for Science, Education and Community Development (the ‘Qatar Foundation’).</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">The Labour Law provides workers with certain rights and protections in respect of the provision of necessary equipment, the nature of work to be performed, remuneration, working hours and holidays, annual and sick leave, other forms of leave, occupational health and safety, compensation for accidents and death, end-of-service gratuity and repatriation obligation upon termination. Non-Qatari workers are not permitted to form worker committees, unions or similar collective organisations.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">The SC 2022’s Workers’ Welfare Standards charter, which covers all workers engaged in the World Cup stadium construction and infrastructure projects overseen by the SC 2022, says additional protections are provided to such workers requiring all its contractors and subcontractors for stadium-related projects to comply with such charter. These protections include, without limitation, ethical recruitment and fair treatment, employment offer minimum requirements, responsibility for relocation costs to Qatar, no retention of worker passports or other personal documents, dignified and ethical employment conditions, the provision of medical insurance, accommodation and food standards, reporting requirements for employers, the creation of workers’ welfare forums, transportation and site requirements and access to information in an appropriate language.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">The Qatar Foundation Mandatory Standards of Migrant Workers’ Welfare document provides similar additional rights and protections for workers involved in all Qatar Foundation projects, which includes one of the World Cup 2022 stadiums and related facilities. The Qatar Foundation charter sets out certain minimum standards with regards to the recruitment, living and working conditions of workers engaged in construction and other projects at the Qatar Foundation. These standards are applicable to, and compliance is required from, all contractors and subcontractors of Qatar Foundation. The required standards include, without limitation, preparation of a welfare adherence plan and related audit, workers being informed as to all entitlements, a safe and healthy work environment, a clean, safe and healthy living environment, equal and humane treatment, equal pay for equal work, regulated working hours, medical insurance and skills training.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong>Accessibility Requirements</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Accessibility to stadiums for disabled persons and/or persons in wheelchairs is a mandatory requirement of FIFA for all stadiums constructed for a World Cup tournament. In this respect, the SC 2022 is ensuring that all World Cup 2022 venues will be accessible to persons with disabilities so as to make the event inclusive for all. Pursuant to this requirement, accessibility is incorporated into all areas of stadium and venue design such as seating, entry and exit points, parking and toilet facilities. The SC 2022 has advised that the amount of seating for disabled persons (including for disabled media representatives) will be based on the size of each stadium and will include places for people with autism as well.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">From a local perspective there is no substantial legal provision in respect of accessibility requirements for persons with disabilities. In terms of the Qatari Law in respect of People with Special Needs, there is a general requirement to provide people with special needs with, inter alia, the means for assisted transport and equipment, accommodation for safe and secure movement as well as special facilities in public places. The Ministry of Municipality and Environment covers some of these aspects in terms of its requirements for building works, along with various other ministries and local authorities in relation to building matters, but these requirements do not extend as far as those of FIFA in terms of accessibility. However, the overall scope of the World Cup 2022 requirements would seem to imply accessibility requirements for disabled persons will inevitably need to be extended to other World Cup-related areas such as hotels and accommodation, airport and transport facilities and fan zones in order to be compatible with those at the stadium venues.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong>Summary</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">FIFA has strict benchmarks to meet when it comes to the stadiums, facilities, logistics and publicity for World Cup events while Qatar has strict legislation that cannot be easily or quickly changed. The attaining of a mutually beneficial solution will take time but can be achieved after undertaking detailed research and analysis to understand the laws that may need to be enacted or changed to host the tournament.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">There are plenty of precedents for this. South Africa for instance enacted a law to enable speedy trials in special courts in respect of crimes by fans, Brazil enacted legislation to accommodate FIFA requirements and Russia, the 2018 hosts, have also made changes to their laws in connection with the World Cup.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">The process of analysis is well under way in Qatar and changes to laws and standards in connection with World Cup 2022 have been and continue to be considered. The prospects seem to be in place for finding a solution that satisfies external and internal stakeholders, ensures a successful tournament for FIFA and the host nation as well leaving a meaningful legacy of progressive standards and legal considerations.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><em><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8030\" src=\"http://www.tamimi.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/KJBNKJN.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"5043\" height=\"1477\" /></em></p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">NB: A version of this article was first published during the week of 18 June 2018 on Lawinsport.com.</p>\r\n<em>Al Tamimi &amp; Company’s TMT team regularly advises on the full spectrum of technology, media and telecommunications matters and Roberto routinely provides key support to our Sports Law and Events Management practice. For further information please contact Steve Bainbridge (s.bainbridge@tamimi.com) or Roberto Lusardi (r.lusardi@tamimi.com).</em>'),
(267623, 25878, 'MetaValueOld', '<img class=\"aligncenter wp-image-8090 size-full\" src=\"http://www.tamimi.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/shutterstock_622400486-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"4000\" height=\"1707\" />\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">The 2022 FIFA World Cup™ is shaping up to be a momentous event. It will be the first to be held in the Middle East and the first to be hosted by an Arab country. It is well-known that the FIFA obligations imposed on a host country in relation to the tournament involve substantial changes to its laws in order to accommodate FIFA’s commercial, licensing and tax requirements, among other issues.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">This is not to say FIFA can simply impose its will and insist on complete changes to Qatar’s legal system. Qatar is a relatively conservative Arab country with traditional and established legal concepts and customs. While by necessity, and by virtue of similar situations at previous World Cups, changes will need to be made to certain local laws to meet FIFA requirements, such changes will need to be through agreements between the host country and FIFA.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Getting this balance right will result in mutual benefits for Qatar and FIFA to create a successful tournament as well developing an ongoing legacy for the host country in conjunction with the Qatar National Vision 2030. Some of these changes in law are still to be agreed while others may have already set in motion positive developments, as further shown below.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong><img class=\" wp-image-8088 alignleft\" src=\"http://www.tamimi.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/lnmn--1024x572.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"479\" height=\"268\" />Legal challenges</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">FIFA has strict requirements in respect of all aspects relating to a World Cup, from stadium construction, accommodation and transport to publicity and marketing matters related to the event. Changes to local laws are generally needed in order to allow for, among other things, FIFA to obtain all required Qatar government guarantees in respect of the World Cup, FIFA-designated goods and merchandise to be imported into Qatar free of customs duties, FIFA’s intellectual property (‘IP’) and authorised sponsors and licensees to be protected against unlawful third party actions such as sale of counterfeit goods and ambush marketing (see more below). FIFA also requires that it is exempted from taxation or otherwise favourably treated in respect of World Cup-related income.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">While there will be changes made to comply with such FIFA requirements it will generally still be necessary for persons doing business in Qatar to comply with existing Qatar laws, for example in respect of IP protection, events, customs and consumer protection, to the extent there is no conflict between the two.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Specific changes to laws and/or the enactment of enabling laws in respect of government guarantees, customs requirements and taxation have not yet been implemented. It is expected these will be agreed between Qatar and FIFA within an appropriate time period prior to the 2022 tournament, although the basis and extent of these new laws is not yet clear. It seems, however, that in respect of licensing and merchandising matters, such as in respect of ambush marketing and fake/counterfeit merchandise, the legal approach and position will be similar to that taken at previous World Cups, .</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong>Sponsorship and Merchandising</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Ambush marketing is essentially the unauthorised association by an entity of its products and/or services in respect of an event where it has no sponsorship or licensing rights. The entity is often a competitor of a duly authorised event sponsor/licensee. The aim, via clever marketing and the pushing of legal boundaries, is to create the perception (and obtain the related commercial value) of the ambushing entity being associated with the event in question, to the detriment and loss of the authorised event sponsor or licensee who has paid a substantial amount for such privilege.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Fake/counterfeit merchandising involves the sale to the public of event-themed and event-linked goods where the sellers are not authorised to do so and/or where the actual goods being sold have been not produced under authorised licence.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">As with previous World Cup tournaments, the intention of the Qatar authorities and FIFA is not to take a heavy-handed approach but at the same time ensure that action is taken quickly and decisively against any infringing persons. Special investigative units and courts specifically to deal with cases of ambush marketing and counterfeit merchandise will be created. This will involve enabling legislation being introduced to allow authorised officials to monitor and stop infringements by conducting local investigations and court hearings and issuing immediate fines to perpetrators. The plan is not to provide for any jail sentences but in all cases the infringing goods would be confiscated.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">These additional legal provisions will be supplementary to existing Qatari copyright and trademark laws which protect IP and related licensing rights in accordance with international standards. FIFA has also published an exhaustive and extremely strict code of what it considers to be unacceptable marketing practices surrounding its World Cup tournament.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong>Customs and Consumer Protection</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Irrespective of specific agreements reached with FIFA, any goods coming into Qatar in connection with the World Cup will need to comply with the existing Customs Law, whereby the General Authority of Customs have the right not to permit any goods to clear customs and enter Qatar unless such goods have been approved by the relevant authority.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Incoming goods will also need to comply with the existing Consumer Protection Law. This gives consumers in Qatar the right, amongst others, to return defective products, to the repair or replacement of any defective products and the right to receive accurate information about the products. The Consumer Protection Law prohibits the sale or marketing of defective or expired goods, with goods considered defective if they do not comply with specific standards, are unfit for purpose or have expired.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">The Electronic Commerce Law also addresses certain consumer rights by stating that its provisions are applicable to the provisions of the Consumer Protection Law. This ensures that both physical and online sales and marketing transactions are covered in relation to counterfeit goods.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong><img class=\"alignright wp-image-8092 \" src=\"http://www.tamimi.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/dgdd-589x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"211\" height=\"367\" />Tourism and Events Management</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">The provisions of the Tourism Licensing Law, which govern business activities in the tourism sector within Qatar, are applicable to the hotel and other industries within the tourism sector. They will impact related World Cup activities and ventures. The law regulates ‘tourism establishments’, defined as places operating mainly to accommodate tourists, such as entertainment establishments and specialised clubs, and other places allocated to provide services for tourists, such as tourism offices, offices offering tourist transport, tourist guide offices and time-sharing places, and any other establishment deemed to be a tourist establishment in accordance with a decision of the Minister of Economy and Commerce or the proposal of the President of the Qatar Tourism Authority. It also covers ‘tourism activities’: any activity of the transport of tourists including the transport of tourists on trips onshore or offshore, the activities of tour guides, time-sharing and any other activity deemed to be a tourist activity in accordance with a decision of the Minister of Economy and Commerce or the proposal of the President of the Qatar Tourism Authority.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Under the Tourism Licensing Law, a licence is required to establish or manage a hotel or tourist establishment or to practise any tourist activity. Applications for such a licence is made to the Qatar Tourism Authority and all hotel and/or tour operators wishing to conduct such activities in relation to the 2022 World Cup will need to be aware of such requirement.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong>Gambling</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">As with all major sporting events, the World Cup will generate substantial gambling activities. Gambling is prohibited in Qatar in all forms, whether land-based or online, as well as the advertising of gambling activities. Accordingly it is unlikely that any gambling will be tolerated and any offenders would face prosecution. The risk of enforcement against an online gambling operator outside of Qatar is lower but the offending website could be blocked by the authorities pursuant to provisions under the Cybercrime Law, which also provide for the confiscation of all devices, software or equipment used in the commission of the offence and the confiscation of any funds obtained from such offence.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong><img class=\"wp-image-8093 alignleft\" src=\"http://www.tamimi.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/shutterstock_1059032999-Converted-1024x896.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"344\" height=\"301\" />Worker’s Rights and Laws</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Due to the extensive construction and infrastructure projects associated with the 2022 World Cup in terms of stadiums, accommodation and transport, a lot of attention has been focused on the rights and welfare of the many workers who will be engaged on these projects. Certain rights and protections are granted to workers in Qatar under the Labour Law and these have been further supplemented pursuant to the adoption in 2013 of specific workers’ charters by the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy (the ‘SC 2022’) and Qatar Foundation for Science, Education and Community Development (the ‘Qatar Foundation’).</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">The Labour Law provides workers with certain rights and protections in respect of the provision of necessary equipment, the nature of work to be performed, remuneration, working hours and holidays, annual and sick leave, other forms of leave, occupational health and safety, compensation for accidents and death, end-of-service gratuity and repatriation obligation upon termination. Non-Qatari workers are not permitted to form worker committees, unions or similar collective organisations.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">The SC 2022’s Workers’ Welfare Standards charter, which covers all workers engaged in the World Cup stadium construction and infrastructure projects overseen by the SC 2022, says additional protections are provided to such workers requiring all its contractors and subcontractors for stadium-related projects to comply with such charter. These protections include, without limitation, ethical recruitment and fair treatment, employment offer minimum requirements, responsibility for relocation costs to Qatar, no retention of worker passports or other personal documents, dignified and ethical employment conditions, the provision of medical insurance, accommodation and food standards, reporting requirements for employers, the creation of workers’ welfare forums, transportation and site requirements and access to information in an appropriate language.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">The Qatar Foundation Mandatory Standards of Migrant Workers’ Welfare document provides similar additional rights and protections for workers involved in all Qatar Foundation projects, which includes one of the World Cup 2022 stadiums and related facilities. The Qatar Foundation charter sets out certain minimum standards with regards to the recruitment, living and working conditions of workers engaged in construction and other projects at the Qatar Foundation. These standards are applicable to, and compliance is required from, all contractors and subcontractors of Qatar Foundation. The required standards include, without limitation, preparation of a welfare adherence plan and related audit, workers being informed as to all entitlements, a safe and healthy work environment, a clean, safe and healthy living environment, equal and humane treatment, equal pay for equal work, regulated working hours, medical insurance and skills training.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong>Accessibility Requirements</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Accessibility to stadiums for disabled persons and/or persons in wheelchairs is a mandatory requirement of FIFA for all stadiums constructed for a World Cup tournament. In this respect, the SC 2022 is ensuring that all World Cup 2022 venues will be accessible to persons with disabilities so as to make the event inclusive for all. Pursuant to this requirement, accessibility is incorporated into all areas of stadium and venue design such as seating, entry and exit points, parking and toilet facilities. The SC 2022 has advised that the amount of seating for disabled persons (including for disabled media representatives) will be based on the size of each stadium and will include places for people with autism as well.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">From a local perspective there is no substantial legal provision in respect of accessibility requirements for persons with disabilities. In terms of the Qatari Law in respect of People with Special Needs, there is a general requirement to provide people with special needs with, inter alia, the means for assisted transport and equipment, accommodation for safe and secure movement as well as special facilities in public places. The Ministry of Municipality and Environment covers some of these aspects in terms of its requirements for building works, along with various other ministries and local authorities in relation to building matters, but these requirements do not extend as far as those of FIFA in terms of accessibility. However, the overall scope of the World Cup 2022 requirements would seem to imply accessibility requirements for disabled persons will inevitably need to be extended to other World Cup-related areas such as hotels and accommodation, airport and transport facilities and fan zones in order to be compatible with those at the stadium venues.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong>Summary</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">FIFA has strict benchmarks to meet when it comes to the stadiums, facilities, logistics and publicity for World Cup events while Qatar has strict legislation that cannot be easily or quickly changed. The attaining of a mutually beneficial solution will take time but can be achieved after undertaking detailed research and analysis to understand the laws that may need to be enacted or changed to host the tournament.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">There are plenty of precedents for this. South Africa for instance enacted a law to enable speedy trials in special courts in respect of crimes by fans, Brazil enacted legislation to accommodate FIFA requirements and Russia, the 2018 hosts, have also made changes to their laws in connection with the World Cup.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">The process of analysis is well under way in Qatar and changes to laws and standards in connection with World Cup 2022 have been and continue to be considered. The prospects seem to be in place for finding a solution that satisfies external and internal stakeholders, ensures a successful tournament for FIFA and the host nation as well leaving a meaningful legacy of progressive standards and legal considerations.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><em><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8030\" src=\"http://www.tamimi.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/KJBNKJN.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"5043\" height=\"1477\" /></em></p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">NB: A version of this article was first published during the week of 18 June 2018 on Lawinsport.com.</p>\r\n<em>Al Tamimi &amp; Company’s TMT team regularly advises on the full spectrum of technology, media and telecommunications matters and Roberto routinely provides key support to our Sports Law and Events Management practice. For further information please contact Steve Bainbridge (s.bainbridge@tamimi.com) or Roberto Lusardi (r.lusardi@tamimi.com).</em>'),
(267624, 25878, 'MetaLink', 'content'),
(267625, 25878, 'EditorLinkPost', 'https://www.tamimi.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=7950&amp;action=edit');
INSERT INTO `tm_wsal_metadata` (`id`, `occurrence_id`, `name`, `value`) VALUES
(267626, 25878, 'ReportText', '<img class=\"aligncenter wp-image-8090 size-full\" src=\"http://www.tamimi.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/shutterstock_622400486-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"4000\" height=\"1707\" />\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">The 2022 FIFA World Cup™ is shaping up to be a momentous event. It will be the first to be held in the Middle East and the first to be hosted by an Arab country. It is well-known that the FIFA obligations imposed on a host country in relation to the tournament involve substantial changes to its laws in order to accommodate FIFA’s commercial, licensing and tax requirements, among other issues.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">This is not to say FIFA can simply impose its will and insist on complete changes to Qatar’s legal system. Qatar is a relatively conservative Arab country with traditional and established legal concepts and customs. While by necessity, and by virtue of similar situations at previous World Cups, changes will need to be made to certain local laws to meet FIFA requirements, such changes will need to be through agreements between the host country and FIFA.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Getting this balance right will result in mutual benefits for Qatar and FIFA to create a successful tournament as well developing an ongoing legacy for the host country in conjunction with the Qatar National Vision 2030. Some of these changes in law are still to be agreed while others may have already set in motion positive developments, as further shown below.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong><img class=\" wp-image-8088 alignleft\" src=\"http://www.tamimi.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/lnmn--1024x572.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"479\" height=\"268\" />Legal challenges</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">FIFA has strict requirements in respect of all aspects relating to a World Cup, from stadium construction, accommodation and transport to publicity and marketing matters related to the event. Changes to local laws are generally needed in order to allow for, among other things, FIFA to obtain all required Qatar government guarantees in respect of the World Cup, FIFA-designated goods and merchandise to be imported into Qatar free of customs duties, FIFA’s intellectual property (‘IP’) and authorised sponsors and licensees to be protected against unlawful third party actions such as sale of counterfeit goods and ambush marketing (see more below). FIFA also requires that it is exempted from taxation or otherwise favourably treated in respect of World Cup-related income.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">While there will be changes made to comply with such FIFA requirements it will generally still be necessary for persons doing business in Qatar to comply with existing Qatar laws, for example in respect of IP protection, events, customs and consumer protection, to the extent there is no conflict between the two.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Specific changes to laws and/or the enactment of enabling laws in respect of government guarantees, customs requirements and taxation have not yet been implemented. It is expected these will be agreed between Qatar and FIFA within an appropriate time period prior to the 2022 tournament, although the basis and extent of these new laws is not yet clear. It seems, however, that in respect of licensing and merchandising matters, such as in respect of ambush marketing and fake/counterfeit merchandise, the legal approach and position will be similar to that taken at previous World Cups, .</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong>Sponsorship and Merchandising</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Ambush marketing is essentially the unauthorised association by an entity of its products and/or services in respect of an event where it has no sponsorship or licensing rights. The entity is often a competitor of a duly authorised event sponsor/licensee. The aim, via clever marketing and the pushing of legal boundaries, is to create the perception (and obtain the related commercial value) of the ambushing entity being associated with the event in question, to the detriment and loss of the authorised event sponsor or licensee who has paid a substantial amount for such privilege.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Fake/counterfeit merchandising involves the sale to the public of event-themed and event-linked goods where the sellers are not authorised to do so and/or where the actual goods being sold have been not produced under authorised licence.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">As with previous World Cup tournaments, the intention of the Qatar authorities and FIFA is not to take a heavy-handed approach but at the same time ensure that action is taken quickly and decisively against any infringing persons. Special investigative units and courts specifically to deal with cases of ambush marketing and counterfeit merchandise will be created. This will involve enabling legislation being introduced to allow authorised officials to monitor and stop infringements by conducting local investigations and court hearings and issuing immediate fines to perpetrators. The plan is not to provide for any jail sentences but in all cases the infringing goods would be confiscated.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">These additional legal provisions will be supplementary to existing Qatari copyright and trademark laws which protect IP and related licensing rights in accordance with international standards. FIFA has also published an exhaustive and extremely strict code of what it considers to be unacceptable marketing practices surrounding its World Cup tournament.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong>Customs and Consumer Protection</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Irrespective of specific agreements reached with FIFA, any goods coming into Qatar in connection with the World Cup will need to comply with the existing Customs Law, whereby the General Authority of Customs have the right not to permit any goods to clear customs and enter Qatar unless such goods have been approved by the relevant authority.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Incoming goods will also need to comply with the existing Consumer Protection Law. This gives consumers in Qatar the right, amongst others, to return defective products, to the repair or replacement of any defective products and the right to receive accurate information about the products. The Consumer Protection Law prohibits the sale or marketing of defective or expired goods, with goods considered defective if they do not comply with specific standards, are unfit for purpose or have expired.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">The Electronic Commerce Law also addresses certain consumer rights by stating that its provisions are applicable to the provisions of the Consumer Protection Law. This ensures that both physical and online sales and marketing transactions are covered in relation to counterfeit goods.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong><img class=\"alignright wp-image-8092 \" src=\"http://www.tamimi.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/dgdd-589x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"211\" height=\"367\" />Tourism and Events Management</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">The provisions of the Tourism Licensing Law, which govern business activities in the tourism sector within Qatar, are applicable to the hotel and other industries within the tourism sector. They will impact related World Cup activities and ventures. The law regulates ‘tourism establishments’, defined as places operating mainly to accommodate tourists, such as entertainment establishments and specialised clubs, and other places allocated to provide services for tourists, such as tourism offices, offices offering tourist transport, tourist guide offices and time-sharing places, and any other establishment deemed to be a tourist establishment in accordance with a decision of the Minister of Economy and Commerce or the proposal of the President of the Qatar Tourism Authority. It also covers ‘tourism activities’: any activity of the transport of tourists including the transport of tourists on trips onshore or offshore, the activities of tour guides, time-sharing and any other activity deemed to be a tourist activity in accordance with a decision of the Minister of Economy and Commerce or the proposal of the President of the Qatar Tourism Authority.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Under the Tourism Licensing Law, a licence is required to establish or manage a hotel or tourist establishment or to practise any tourist activity. Applications for such a licence is made to the Qatar Tourism Authority and all hotel and/or tour operators wishing to conduct such activities in relation to the 2022 World Cup will need to be aware of such requirement.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong>Gambling</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">As with all major sporting events, the World Cup will generate substantial gambling activities. Gambling is prohibited in Qatar in all forms, whether land-based or online, as well as the advertising of gambling activities. Accordingly it is unlikely that any gambling will be tolerated and any offenders would face prosecution. The risk of enforcement against an online gambling operator outside of Qatar is lower but the offending website could be blocked by the authorities pursuant to provisions under the Cybercrime Law, which also provide for the confiscation of all devices, software or equipment used in the commission of the offence and the confiscation of any funds obtained from such offence.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong><img class=\"wp-image-8093 alignleft\" src=\"http://www.tamimi.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/shutterstock_1059032999-Converted-1024x896.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"344\" height=\"301\" />Worker’s Rights and Laws</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Due to the extensive construction and infrastructure projects associated with the 2022 World Cup in terms of stadiums, accommodation and transport, a lot of attention has been focused on the rights and welfare of the many workers who will be engaged on these projects. Certain rights and protections are granted to workers in Qatar under the Labour Law and these have been further supplemented pursuant to the adoption in 2013 of specific workers’ charters by the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy (the ‘SC 2022’) and Qatar Foundation for Science, Education and Community Development (the ‘Qatar Foundation’).</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">The Labour Law provides workers with certain rights and protections in respect of the provision of necessary equipment, the nature of work to be performed, remuneration, working hours and holidays, annual and sick leave, other forms of leave, occupational health and safety, compensation for accidents and death, end-of-service gratuity and repatriation obligation upon termination. Non-Qatari workers are not permitted to form worker committees, unions or similar collective organisations.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">The SC 2022’s Workers’ Welfare Standards charter, which covers all workers engaged in the World Cup stadium construction and infrastructure projects overseen by the SC 2022, says additional protections are provided to such workers requiring all its contractors and subcontractors for stadium-related projects to comply with such charter. These protections include, without limitation, ethical recruitment and fair treatment, employment offer minimum requirements, responsibility for relocation costs to Qatar, no retention of worker passports or other personal documents, dignified and ethical employment conditions, the provision of medical insurance, accommodation and food standards, reporting requirements for employers, the creation of workers’ welfare forums, transportation and site requirements and access to information in an appropriate language.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">The Qatar Foundation Mandatory Standards of Migrant Workers’ Welfare document provides similar additional rights and protections for workers involved in all Qatar Foundation projects, which includes one of the World Cup 2022 stadiums and related facilities. The Qatar Foundation charter sets out certain minimum standards with regards to the recruitment, living and working conditions of workers engaged in construction and other projects at the Qatar Foundation. These standards are applicable to, and compliance is required from, all contractors and subcontractors of Qatar Foundation. The required standards include, without limitation, preparation of a welfare adherence plan and related audit, workers being informed as to all entitlements, a safe and healthy work environment, a clean, safe and healthy living environment, equal and humane treatment, equal pay for equal work, regulated working hours, medical insurance and skills training.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong>Accessibility Requirements</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Accessibility to stadiums for disabled persons and/or persons in wheelchairs is a mandatory requirement of FIFA for all stadiums constructed for a World Cup tournament. In this respect, the SC 2022 is ensuring that all World Cup 2022 venues will be accessible to persons with disabilities so as to make the event inclusive for all. Pursuant to this requirement, accessibility is incorporated into all areas of stadium and venue design such as seating, entry and exit points, parking and toilet facilities. The SC 2022 has advised that the amount of seating for disabled persons (including for disabled media representatives) will be based on the size of each stadium and will include places for people with autism as well.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">From a local perspective there is no substantial legal provision in respect of accessibility requirements for persons with disabilities. In terms of the Qatari Law in respect of People with Special Needs, there is a general requirement to provide people with special needs with, inter alia, the means for assisted transport and equipment, accommodation for safe and secure movement as well as special facilities in public places. The Ministry of Municipality and Environment covers some of these aspects in terms of its requirements for building works, along with various other ministries and local authorities in relation to building matters, but these requirements do not extend as far as those of FIFA in terms of accessibility. However, the overall scope of the World Cup 2022 requirements would seem to imply accessibility requirements for disabled persons will inevitably need to be extended to other World Cup-related areas such as hotels and accommodation, airport and transport facilities and fan zones in order to be compatible with those at the stadium venues.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong>Summary</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">FIFA has strict benchmarks to meet when it comes to the stadiums, facilities, logistics and publicity for World Cup events while Qatar has strict legislation that cannot be easily or quickly changed. The attaining of a mutually beneficial solution will take time but can be achieved after undertaking detailed research and analysis to understand the laws that may need to be enacted or changed to host the tournament.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">There are plenty of precedents for this. South Africa for instance enacted a law to enable speedy trials in special courts in respect of crimes by fans, Brazil enacted legislation to accommodate FIFA requirements and Russia, the 2018 hosts, have also made changes to their laws in connection with the World Cup.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">The process of analysis is well under way in Qatar and changes to laws and standards in connection with World Cup 2022 have been and continue to be considered. The prospects seem to be in place for finding a solution that satisfies external and internal stakeholders, ensures a successful tournament for FIFA and the host nation as well leaving a meaningful legacy of progressive standards and legal considerations.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><em><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8030\" src=\"http://www.tamimi.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/KJBNKJN.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"5043\" height=\"1477\" /></em></p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">NB: A version of this article was first published during the week of 18 June 2018 on Lawinsport.com.</p>\r\n<em>Al Tamimi &amp; Company’s TMT team regularly advises on the full spectrum of technology, media and telecommunications matters and Roberto routinely provides key support to our Sports Law and Events Management practice. For further information please contact Steve Bainbridge (s.bainbridge@tamimi.com) or Roberto Lusardi (r.lusardi@tamimi.com).</em>|<img class=\"aligncenter wp-image-8090 size-full\" src=\"http://www.tamimi.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/shutterstock_622400486-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"4000\" height=\"1707\" />\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">The 2022 FIFA World Cup™ is shaping up to be a momentous event. It will be the first to be held in the Middle East and the first to be hosted by an Arab country. It is well-known that the FIFA obligations imposed on a host country in relation to the tournament involve substantial changes to its laws in order to accommodate FIFA’s commercial, licensing and tax requirements, among other issues.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">This is not to say FIFA can simply impose its will and insist on complete changes to Qatar’s legal system. Qatar is a relatively conservative Arab country with traditional and established legal concepts and customs. While by necessity, and by virtue of similar situations at previous World Cups, changes will need to be made to certain local laws to meet FIFA requirements, such changes will need to be through agreements between the host country and FIFA.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Getting this balance right will result in mutual benefits for Qatar and FIFA to create a successful tournament as well developing an ongoing legacy for the host country in conjunction with the Qatar National Vision 2030. Some of these changes in law are still to be agreed while others may have already set in motion positive developments, as further shown below.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong><img class=\" wp-image-8088 alignleft\" src=\"http://www.tamimi.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/lnmn--1024x572.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"479\" height=\"268\" />Legal challenges</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">FIFA has strict requirements in respect of all aspects relating to a World Cup, from stadium construction, accommodation and transport to publicity and marketing matters related to the event. Changes to local laws are generally needed in order to allow for, among other things, FIFA to obtain all required Qatar government guarantees in respect of the World Cup, FIFA-designated goods and merchandise to be imported into Qatar free of customs duties, FIFA’s intellectual property (‘IP’) and authorised sponsors and licensees to be protected against unlawful third party actions such as sale of counterfeit goods and ambush marketing (see more below). FIFA also requires that it is exempted from taxation or otherwise favourably treated in respect of World Cup-related income.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">While there will be changes made to comply with such FIFA requirements it will generally still be necessary for persons doing business in Qatar to comply with existing Qatar laws, for example in respect of IP protection, events, customs and consumer protection, to the extent there is no conflict between the two.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Specific changes to laws and/or the enactment of enabling laws in respect of government guarantees, customs requirements and taxation have not yet been implemented. It is expected these will be agreed between Qatar and FIFA within an appropriate time period prior to the 2022 tournament, although the basis and extent of these new laws is not yet clear. It seems, however, that in respect of licensing and merchandising matters, such as in respect of ambush marketing and fake/counterfeit merchandise, the legal approach and position will be similar to that taken at previous World Cups, .</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong>Sponsorship and Merchandising</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Ambush marketing is essentially the unauthorised association by an entity of its products and/or services in respect of an event where it has no sponsorship or licensing rights. The entity is often a competitor of a duly authorised event sponsor/licensee. The aim, via clever marketing and the pushing of legal boundaries, is to create the perception (and obtain the related commercial value) of the ambushing entity being associated with the event in question, to the detriment and loss of the authorised event sponsor or licensee who has paid a substantial amount for such privilege.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Fake/counterfeit merchandising involves the sale to the public of event-themed and event-linked goods where the sellers are not authorised to do so and/or where the actual goods being sold have been not produced under authorised licence.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">As with previous World Cup tournaments, the intention of the Qatar authorities and FIFA is not to take a heavy-handed approach but at the same time ensure that action is taken quickly and decisively against any infringing persons. Special investigative units and courts specifically to deal with cases of ambush marketing and counterfeit merchandise will be created. This will involve enabling legislation being introduced to allow authorised officials to monitor and stop infringements by conducting local investigations and court hearings and issuing immediate fines to perpetrators. The plan is not to provide for any jail sentences but in all cases the infringing goods would be confiscated.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">These additional legal provisions will be supplementary to existing Qatari copyright and trademark laws which protect IP and related licensing rights in accordance with international standards. FIFA has also published an exhaustive and extremely strict code of what it considers to be unacceptable marketing practices surrounding its World Cup tournament.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong>Customs and Consumer Protection</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Irrespective of specific agreements reached with FIFA, any goods coming into Qatar in connection with the World Cup will need to comply with the existing Customs Law, whereby the General Authority of Customs have the right not to permit any goods to clear customs and enter Qatar unless such goods have been approved by the relevant authority.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Incoming goods will also need to comply with the existing Consumer Protection Law. This gives consumers in Qatar the right, amongst others, to return defective products, to the repair or replacement of any defective products and the right to receive accurate information about the products. The Consumer Protection Law prohibits the sale or marketing of defective or expired goods, with goods considered defective if they do not comply with specific standards, are unfit for purpose or have expired.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">The Electronic Commerce Law also addresses certain consumer rights by stating that its provisions are applicable to the provisions of the Consumer Protection Law. This ensures that both physical and online sales and marketing transactions are covered in relation to counterfeit goods.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong><img class=\"alignright wp-image-8092 \" src=\"http://www.tamimi.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/dgdd-589x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"211\" height=\"367\" />Tourism and Events Management</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">The provisions of the Tourism Licensing Law, which govern business activities in the tourism sector within Qatar, are applicable to the hotel and other industries within the tourism sector. They will impact related World Cup activities and ventures. The law regulates ‘tourism establishments’, defined as places operating mainly to accommodate tourists, such as entertainment establishments and specialised clubs, and other places allocated to provide services for tourists, such as tourism offices, offices offering tourist transport, tourist guide offices and time-sharing places, and any other establishment deemed to be a tourist establishment in accordance with a decision of the Minister of Economy and Commerce or the proposal of the President of the Qatar Tourism Authority. It also covers ‘tourism activities’: any activity of the transport of tourists including the transport of tourists on trips onshore or offshore, the activities of tour guides, time-sharing and any other activity deemed to be a tourist activity in accordance with a decision of the Minister of Economy and Commerce or the proposal of the President of the Qatar Tourism Authority.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Under the Tourism Licensing Law, a licence is required to establish or manage a hotel or tourist establishment or to practise any tourist activity. Applications for such a licence is made to the Qatar Tourism Authority and all hotel and/or tour operators wishing to conduct such activities in relation to the 2022 World Cup will need to be aware of such requirement.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong>Gambling</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">As with all major sporting events, the World Cup will generate substantial gambling activities. Gambling is prohibited in Qatar in all forms, whether land-based or online, as well as the advertising of gambling activities. Accordingly it is unlikely that any gambling will be tolerated and any offenders would face prosecution. The risk of enforcement against an online gambling operator outside of Qatar is lower but the offending website could be blocked by the authorities pursuant to provisions under the Cybercrime Law, which also provide for the confiscation of all devices, software or equipment used in the commission of the offence and the confiscation of any funds obtained from such offence.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong><img class=\"wp-image-8093 alignleft\" src=\"http://www.tamimi.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/shutterstock_1059032999-Converted-1024x896.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"376\" height=\"329\" />Worker’s Rights and Laws</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Due to the extensive construction and infrastructure projects associated with the 2022 World Cup in terms of stadiums, accommodation and transport, a lot of attention has been focused on the rights and welfare of the many workers who will be engaged on these projects. Certain rights and protections are granted to workers in Qatar under the Labour Law and these have been further supplemented pursuant to the adoption in 2013 of specific workers’ charters by the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy (the ‘SC 2022’) and Qatar Foundation for Science, Education and Community Development (the ‘Qatar Foundation’).</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">The Labour Law provides workers with certain rights and protections in respect of the provision of necessary equipment, the nature of work to be performed, remuneration, working hours and holidays, annual and sick leave, other forms of leave, occupational health and safety, compensation for accidents and death, end-of-service gratuity and repatriation obligation upon termination. Non-Qatari workers are not permitted to form worker committees, unions or similar collective organisations.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">The SC 2022’s Workers’ Welfare Standards charter, which covers all workers engaged in the World Cup stadium construction and infrastructure projects overseen by the SC 2022, says additional protections are provided to such workers requiring all its contractors and subcontractors for stadium-related projects to comply with such charter. These protections include, without limitation, ethical recruitment and fair treatment, employment offer minimum requirements, responsibility for relocation costs to Qatar, no retention of worker passports or other personal documents, dignified and ethical employment conditions, the provision of medical insurance, accommodation and food standards, reporting requirements for employers, the creation of workers’ welfare forums, transportation and site requirements and access to information in an appropriate language.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">The Qatar Foundation Mandatory Standards of Migrant Workers’ Welfare document provides similar additional rights and protections for workers involved in all Qatar Foundation projects, which includes one of the World Cup 2022 stadiums and related facilities. The Qatar Foundation charter sets out certain minimum standards with regards to the recruitment, living and working conditions of workers engaged in construction and other projects at the Qatar Foundation. These standards are applicable to, and compliance is required from, all contractors and subcontractors of Qatar Foundation. The required standards include, without limitation, preparation of a welfare adherence plan and related audit, workers being informed as to all entitlements, a safe and healthy work environment, a clean, safe and healthy living environment, equal and humane treatment, equal pay for equal work, regulated working hours, medical insurance and skills training.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong>Accessibility Requirements</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Accessibility to stadiums for disabled persons and/or persons in wheelchairs is a mandatory requirement of FIFA for all stadiums constructed for a World Cup tournament. In this respect, the SC 2022 is ensuring that all World Cup 2022 venues will be accessible to persons with disabilities so as to make the event inclusive for all. Pursuant to this requirement, accessibility is incorporated into all areas of stadium and venue design such as seating, entry and exit points, parking and toilet facilities. The SC 2022 has advised that the amount of seating for disabled persons (including for disabled media representatives) will be based on the size of each stadium and will include places for people with autism as well.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">From a local perspective there is no substantial legal provision in respect of accessibility requirements for persons with disabilities. In terms of the Qatari Law in respect of People with Special Needs, there is a general requirement to provide people with special needs with, inter alia, the means for assisted transport and equipment, accommodation for safe and secure movement as well as special facilities in public places. The Ministry of Municipality and Environment covers some of these aspects in terms of its requirements for building works, along with various other ministries and local authorities in relation to building matters, but these requirements do not extend as far as those of FIFA in terms of accessibility. However, the overall scope of the World Cup 2022 requirements would seem to imply accessibility requirements for disabled persons will inevitably need to be extended to other World Cup-related areas such as hotels and accommodation, airport and transport facilities and fan zones in order to be compatible with those at the stadium venues.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong>Summary</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">FIFA has strict benchmarks to meet when it comes to the stadiums, facilities, logistics and publicity for World Cup events while Qatar has strict legislation that cannot be easily or quickly changed. The attaining of a mutually beneficial solution will take time but can be achieved after undertaking detailed research and analysis to understand the laws that may need to be enacted or changed to host the tournament.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">There are plenty of precedents for this. South Africa for instance enacted a law to enable speedy trials in special courts in respect of crimes by fans, Brazil enacted legislation to accommodate FIFA requirements and Russia, the 2018 hosts, have also made changes to their laws in connection with the World Cup.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">The process of analysis is well under way in Qatar and changes to laws and standards in connection with World Cup 2022 have been and continue to be considered. The prospects seem to be in place for finding a solution that satisfies external and internal stakeholders, ensures a successful tournament for FIFA and the host nation as well leaving a meaningful legacy of progressive standards and legal considerations.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><em><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8030\" src=\"http://www.tamimi.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/KJBNKJN.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"5043\" height=\"1477\" /></em></p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">NB: A version of this article was first published during the week of 18 June 2018 on Lawinsport.com.</p>\r\n<em>Al Tamimi &amp; Company’s TMT team regularly advises on the full spectrum of technology, media and telecommunications matters and Roberto routinely provides key support to our Sports Law and Events Management practice. For further information please contact Steve Bainbridge (s.bainbridge@tamimi.com) or Roberto Lusardi (r.lusardi@tamimi.com).</em>'),
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(267672, 25882, 'MetaValueNew', '<img class=\"aligncenter wp-image-8090 size-full\" src=\"http://www.tamimi.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/shutterstock_622400486-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"4000\" height=\"1707\" />\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">The 2022 FIFA World Cup™ is shaping up to be a momentous event. It will be the first to be held in the Middle East and the first to be hosted by an Arab country. It is well-known that the FIFA obligations imposed on a host country in relation to the tournament involve substantial changes to its laws in order to accommodate FIFA’s commercial, licensing and tax requirements, among other issues.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">This is not to say FIFA can simply impose its will and insist on complete changes to Qatar’s legal system. Qatar is a relatively conservative Arab country with traditional and established legal concepts and customs. While by necessity, and by virtue of similar situations at previous World Cups, changes will need to be made to certain local laws to meet FIFA requirements, such changes will need to be through agreements between the host country and FIFA.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Getting this balance right will result in mutual benefits for Qatar and FIFA to create a successful tournament as well developing an ongoing legacy for the host country in conjunction with the Qatar National Vision 2030. Some of these changes in law are still to be agreed while others may have already set in motion positive developments, as further shown below.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong><img class=\" wp-image-8088 alignleft\" src=\"http://www.tamimi.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/lnmn--1024x572.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"479\" height=\"268\" />Legal challenges</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">FIFA has strict requirements in respect of all aspects relating to a World Cup, from stadium construction, accommodation and transport to publicity and marketing matters related to the event. Changes to local laws are generally needed in order to allow for, among other things, FIFA to obtain all required Qatar government guarantees in respect of the World Cup, FIFA-designated goods and merchandise to be imported into Qatar free of customs duties, FIFA’s intellectual property (‘IP’) and authorised sponsors and licensees to be protected against unlawful third party actions such as sale of counterfeit goods and ambush marketing (see more below). FIFA also requires that it is exempted from taxation or otherwise favourably treated in respect of World Cup-related income.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">While there will be changes made to comply with such FIFA requirements it will generally still be necessary for persons doing business in Qatar to comply with existing Qatar laws, for example in respect of IP protection, events, customs and consumer protection, to the extent there is no conflict between the two.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Specific changes to laws and/or the enactment of enabling laws in respect of government guarantees, customs requirements and taxation have not yet been implemented. It is expected these will be agreed between Qatar and FIFA within an appropriate time period prior to the 2022 tournament, although the basis and extent of these new laws is not yet clear. It seems, however, that in respect of licensing and merchandising matters, such as in respect of ambush marketing and fake/counterfeit merchandise, the legal approach and position will be similar to that taken at previous World Cups, .</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong>Sponsorship and Merchandising</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Ambush marketing is essentially the unauthorised association by an entity of its products and/or services in respect of an event where it has no sponsorship or licensing rights. The entity is often a competitor of a duly authorised event sponsor/licensee. The aim, via clever marketing and the pushing of legal boundaries, is to create the perception (and obtain the related commercial value) of the ambushing entity being associated with the event in question, to the detriment and loss of the authorised event sponsor or licensee who has paid a substantial amount for such privilege.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Fake/counterfeit merchandising involves the sale to the public of event-themed and event-linked goods where the sellers are not authorised to do so and/or where the actual goods being sold have been not produced under authorised licence.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">As with previous World Cup tournaments, the intention of the Qatar authorities and FIFA is not to take a heavy-handed approach but at the same time ensure that action is taken quickly and decisively against any infringing persons. Special investigative units and courts specifically to deal with cases of ambush marketing and counterfeit merchandise will be created. This will involve enabling legislation being introduced to allow authorised officials to monitor and stop infringements by conducting local investigations and court hearings and issuing immediate fines to perpetrators. The plan is not to provide for any jail sentences but in all cases the infringing goods would be confiscated.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">These additional legal provisions will be supplementary to existing Qatari copyright and trademark laws which protect IP and related licensing rights in accordance with international standards. FIFA has also published an exhaustive and extremely strict code of what it considers to be unacceptable marketing practices surrounding its World Cup tournament.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong>Customs and Consumer Protection</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Irrespective of specific agreements reached with FIFA, any goods coming into Qatar in connection with the World Cup will need to comply with the existing Customs Law, whereby the General Authority of Customs have the right not to permit any goods to clear customs and enter Qatar unless such goods have been approved by the relevant authority.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Incoming goods will also need to comply with the existing Consumer Protection Law. This gives consumers in Qatar the right, amongst others, to return defective products, to the repair or replacement of any defective products and the right to receive accurate information about the products. The Consumer Protection Law prohibits the sale or marketing of defective or expired goods, with goods considered defective if they do not comply with specific standards, are unfit for purpose or have expired.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">The Electronic Commerce Law also addresses certain consumer rights by stating that its provisions are applicable to the provisions of the Consumer Protection Law. This ensures that both physical and online sales and marketing transactions are covered in relation to counterfeit goods.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong><img class=\"alignright wp-image-8092 \" src=\"http://www.tamimi.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/dgdd-589x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"211\" height=\"367\" />Tourism and Events Management</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">The provisions of the Tourism Licensing Law, which govern business activities in the tourism sector within Qatar, are applicable to the hotel and other industries within the tourism sector. They will impact related World Cup activities and ventures. The law regulates ‘tourism establishments’, defined as places operating mainly to accommodate tourists, such as entertainment establishments and specialised clubs, and other places allocated to provide services for tourists, such as tourism offices, offices offering tourist transport, tourist guide offices and time-sharing places, and any other establishment deemed to be a tourist establishment in accordance with a decision of the Minister of Economy and Commerce or the proposal of the President of the Qatar Tourism Authority. It also covers ‘tourism activities’: any activity of the transport of tourists including the transport of tourists on trips onshore or offshore, the activities of tour guides, time-sharing and any other activity deemed to be a tourist activity in accordance with a decision of the Minister of Economy and Commerce or the proposal of the President of the Qatar Tourism Authority.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Under the Tourism Licensing Law, a licence is required to establish or manage a hotel or tourist establishment or to practise any tourist activity. Applications for such a licence is made to the Qatar Tourism Authority and all hotel and/or tour operators wishing to conduct such activities in relation to the 2022 World Cup will need to be aware of such requirement.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong>Gambling</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">As with all major sporting events, the World Cup will generate substantial gambling activities. Gambling is prohibited in Qatar in all forms, whether land-based or online, as well as the advertising of gambling activities. Accordingly it is unlikely that any gambling will be tolerated and any offenders would face prosecution. The risk of enforcement against an online gambling operator outside of Qatar is lower but the offending website could be blocked by the authorities pursuant to provisions under the Cybercrime Law, which also provide for the confiscation of all devices, software or equipment used in the commission of the offence and the confiscation of any funds obtained from such offence.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong><img class=\"wp-image-8093 alignleft\" src=\"http://www.tamimi.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/shutterstock_1059032999-Converted-1024x896.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"409\" height=\"358\" />Worker’s Rights and Laws</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Due to the extensive construction and infrastructure projects associated with the 2022 World Cup in terms of stadiums, accommodation and transport, a lot of attention has been focused on the rights and welfare of the many workers who will be engaged on these projects. Certain rights and protections are granted to workers in Qatar under the Labour Law and these have been further supplemented pursuant to the adoption in 2013 of specific workers’ charters by the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy (the ‘SC 2022’) and Qatar Foundation for Science, Education and Community Development (the ‘Qatar Foundation’).</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">The Labour Law provides workers with certain rights and protections in respect of the provision of necessary equipment, the nature of work to be performed, remuneration, working hours and holidays, annual and sick leave, other forms of leave, occupational health and safety, compensation for accidents and death, end-of-service gratuity and repatriation obligation upon termination. Non-Qatari workers are not permitted to form worker committees, unions or similar collective organisations.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">The SC 2022’s Workers’ Welfare Standards charter, which covers all workers engaged in the World Cup stadium construction and infrastructure projects overseen by the SC 2022, says additional protections are provided to such workers requiring all its contractors and subcontractors for stadium-related projects to comply with such charter. These protections include, without limitation, ethical recruitment and fair treatment, employment offer minimum requirements, responsibility for relocation costs to Qatar, no retention of worker passports or other personal documents, dignified and ethical employment conditions, the provision of medical insurance, accommodation and food standards, reporting requirements for employers, the creation of workers’ welfare forums, transportation and site requirements and access to information in an appropriate language.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">The Qatar Foundation Mandatory Standards of Migrant Workers’ Welfare document provides similar additional rights and protections for workers involved in all Qatar Foundation projects, which includes one of the World Cup 2022 stadiums and related facilities. The Qatar Foundation charter sets out certain minimum standards with regards to the recruitment, living and working conditions of workers engaged in construction and other projects at the Qatar Foundation. These standards are applicable to, and compliance is required from, all contractors and subcontractors of Qatar Foundation. The required standards include, without limitation, preparation of a welfare adherence plan and related audit, workers being informed as to all entitlements, a safe and healthy work environment, a clean, safe and healthy living environment, equal and humane treatment, equal pay for equal work, regulated working hours, medical insurance and skills training.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong>Accessibility Requirements</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Accessibility to stadiums for disabled persons and/or persons in wheelchairs is a mandatory requirement of FIFA for all stadiums constructed for a World Cup tournament. In this respect, the SC 2022 is ensuring that all World Cup 2022 venues will be accessible to persons with disabilities so as to make the event inclusive for all. Pursuant to this requirement, accessibility is incorporated into all areas of stadium and venue design such as seating, entry and exit points, parking and toilet facilities. The SC 2022 has advised that the amount of seating for disabled persons (including for disabled media representatives) will be based on the size of each stadium and will include places for people with autism as well.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">From a local perspective there is no substantial legal provision in respect of accessibility requirements for persons with disabilities. In terms of the Qatari Law in respect of People with Special Needs, there is a general requirement to provide people with special needs with, inter alia, the means for assisted transport and equipment, accommodation for safe and secure movement as well as special facilities in public places. The Ministry of Municipality and Environment covers some of these aspects in terms of its requirements for building works, along with various other ministries and local authorities in relation to building matters, but these requirements do not extend as far as those of FIFA in terms of accessibility. However, the overall scope of the World Cup 2022 requirements would seem to imply accessibility requirements for disabled persons will inevitably need to be extended to other World Cup-related areas such as hotels and accommodation, airport and transport facilities and fan zones in order to be compatible with those at the stadium venues.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong>Summary</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">FIFA has strict benchmarks to meet when it comes to the stadiums, facilities, logistics and publicity for World Cup events while Qatar has strict legislation that cannot be easily or quickly changed. The attaining of a mutually beneficial solution will take time but can be achieved after undertaking detailed research and analysis to understand the laws that may need to be enacted or changed to host the tournament.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">There are plenty of precedents for this. South Africa for instance enacted a law to enable speedy trials in special courts in respect of crimes by fans, Brazil enacted legislation to accommodate FIFA requirements and Russia, the 2018 hosts, have also made changes to their laws in connection with the World Cup.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">The process of analysis is well under way in Qatar and changes to laws and standards in connection with World Cup 2022 have been and continue to be considered. The prospects seem to be in place for finding a solution that satisfies external and internal stakeholders, ensures a successful tournament for FIFA and the host nation as well leaving a meaningful legacy of progressive standards and legal considerations.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><em><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8030\" src=\"http://www.tamimi.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/KJBNKJN.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"5043\" height=\"1477\" /></em></p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">NB: A version of this article was first published during the week of 18 June 2018 on Lawinsport.com.</p>\r\n<em>Al Tamimi &amp; Company’s TMT team regularly advises on the full spectrum of technology, media and telecommunications matters and Roberto routinely provides key support to our Sports Law and Events Management practice. For further information please contact Steve Bainbridge (s.bainbridge@tamimi.com) or Roberto Lusardi (r.lusardi@tamimi.com).</em>'),
(267673, 25882, 'MetaValueOld', '<img class=\"aligncenter wp-image-8090 size-full\" src=\"http://www.tamimi.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/shutterstock_622400486-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"4000\" height=\"1707\" />\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">The 2022 FIFA World Cup™ is shaping up to be a momentous event. It will be the first to be held in the Middle East and the first to be hosted by an Arab country. It is well-known that the FIFA obligations imposed on a host country in relation to the tournament involve substantial changes to its laws in order to accommodate FIFA’s commercial, licensing and tax requirements, among other issues.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">This is not to say FIFA can simply impose its will and insist on complete changes to Qatar’s legal system. Qatar is a relatively conservative Arab country with traditional and established legal concepts and customs. While by necessity, and by virtue of similar situations at previous World Cups, changes will need to be made to certain local laws to meet FIFA requirements, such changes will need to be through agreements between the host country and FIFA.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Getting this balance right will result in mutual benefits for Qatar and FIFA to create a successful tournament as well developing an ongoing legacy for the host country in conjunction with the Qatar National Vision 2030. Some of these changes in law are still to be agreed while others may have already set in motion positive developments, as further shown below.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong><img class=\" wp-image-8088 alignleft\" src=\"http://www.tamimi.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/lnmn--1024x572.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"479\" height=\"268\" />Legal challenges</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">FIFA has strict requirements in respect of all aspects relating to a World Cup, from stadium construction, accommodation and transport to publicity and marketing matters related to the event. Changes to local laws are generally needed in order to allow for, among other things, FIFA to obtain all required Qatar government guarantees in respect of the World Cup, FIFA-designated goods and merchandise to be imported into Qatar free of customs duties, FIFA’s intellectual property (‘IP’) and authorised sponsors and licensees to be protected against unlawful third party actions such as sale of counterfeit goods and ambush marketing (see more below). FIFA also requires that it is exempted from taxation or otherwise favourably treated in respect of World Cup-related income.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">While there will be changes made to comply with such FIFA requirements it will generally still be necessary for persons doing business in Qatar to comply with existing Qatar laws, for example in respect of IP protection, events, customs and consumer protection, to the extent there is no conflict between the two.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Specific changes to laws and/or the enactment of enabling laws in respect of government guarantees, customs requirements and taxation have not yet been implemented. It is expected these will be agreed between Qatar and FIFA within an appropriate time period prior to the 2022 tournament, although the basis and extent of these new laws is not yet clear. It seems, however, that in respect of licensing and merchandising matters, such as in respect of ambush marketing and fake/counterfeit merchandise, the legal approach and position will be similar to that taken at previous World Cups, .</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong>Sponsorship and Merchandising</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Ambush marketing is essentially the unauthorised association by an entity of its products and/or services in respect of an event where it has no sponsorship or licensing rights. The entity is often a competitor of a duly authorised event sponsor/licensee. The aim, via clever marketing and the pushing of legal boundaries, is to create the perception (and obtain the related commercial value) of the ambushing entity being associated with the event in question, to the detriment and loss of the authorised event sponsor or licensee who has paid a substantial amount for such privilege.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Fake/counterfeit merchandising involves the sale to the public of event-themed and event-linked goods where the sellers are not authorised to do so and/or where the actual goods being sold have been not produced under authorised licence.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">As with previous World Cup tournaments, the intention of the Qatar authorities and FIFA is not to take a heavy-handed approach but at the same time ensure that action is taken quickly and decisively against any infringing persons. Special investigative units and courts specifically to deal with cases of ambush marketing and counterfeit merchandise will be created. This will involve enabling legislation being introduced to allow authorised officials to monitor and stop infringements by conducting local investigations and court hearings and issuing immediate fines to perpetrators. The plan is not to provide for any jail sentences but in all cases the infringing goods would be confiscated.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">These additional legal provisions will be supplementary to existing Qatari copyright and trademark laws which protect IP and related licensing rights in accordance with international standards. FIFA has also published an exhaustive and extremely strict code of what it considers to be unacceptable marketing practices surrounding its World Cup tournament.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong>Customs and Consumer Protection</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Irrespective of specific agreements reached with FIFA, any goods coming into Qatar in connection with the World Cup will need to comply with the existing Customs Law, whereby the General Authority of Customs have the right not to permit any goods to clear customs and enter Qatar unless such goods have been approved by the relevant authority.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Incoming goods will also need to comply with the existing Consumer Protection Law. This gives consumers in Qatar the right, amongst others, to return defective products, to the repair or replacement of any defective products and the right to receive accurate information about the products. The Consumer Protection Law prohibits the sale or marketing of defective or expired goods, with goods considered defective if they do not comply with specific standards, are unfit for purpose or have expired.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">The Electronic Commerce Law also addresses certain consumer rights by stating that its provisions are applicable to the provisions of the Consumer Protection Law. This ensures that both physical and online sales and marketing transactions are covered in relation to counterfeit goods.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong><img class=\"alignright wp-image-8092 \" src=\"http://www.tamimi.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/dgdd-589x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"211\" height=\"367\" />Tourism and Events Management</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">The provisions of the Tourism Licensing Law, which govern business activities in the tourism sector within Qatar, are applicable to the hotel and other industries within the tourism sector. They will impact related World Cup activities and ventures. The law regulates ‘tourism establishments’, defined as places operating mainly to accommodate tourists, such as entertainment establishments and specialised clubs, and other places allocated to provide services for tourists, such as tourism offices, offices offering tourist transport, tourist guide offices and time-sharing places, and any other establishment deemed to be a tourist establishment in accordance with a decision of the Minister of Economy and Commerce or the proposal of the President of the Qatar Tourism Authority. It also covers ‘tourism activities’: any activity of the transport of tourists including the transport of tourists on trips onshore or offshore, the activities of tour guides, time-sharing and any other activity deemed to be a tourist activity in accordance with a decision of the Minister of Economy and Commerce or the proposal of the President of the Qatar Tourism Authority.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Under the Tourism Licensing Law, a licence is required to establish or manage a hotel or tourist establishment or to practise any tourist activity. Applications for such a licence is made to the Qatar Tourism Authority and all hotel and/or tour operators wishing to conduct such activities in relation to the 2022 World Cup will need to be aware of such requirement.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong>Gambling</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">As with all major sporting events, the World Cup will generate substantial gambling activities. Gambling is prohibited in Qatar in all forms, whether land-based or online, as well as the advertising of gambling activities. Accordingly it is unlikely that any gambling will be tolerated and any offenders would face prosecution. The risk of enforcement against an online gambling operator outside of Qatar is lower but the offending website could be blocked by the authorities pursuant to provisions under the Cybercrime Law, which also provide for the confiscation of all devices, software or equipment used in the commission of the offence and the confiscation of any funds obtained from such offence.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong><img class=\"wp-image-8093 alignleft\" src=\"http://www.tamimi.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/shutterstock_1059032999-Converted-1024x896.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"376\" height=\"329\" />Worker’s Rights and Laws</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Due to the extensive construction and infrastructure projects associated with the 2022 World Cup in terms of stadiums, accommodation and transport, a lot of attention has been focused on the rights and welfare of the many workers who will be engaged on these projects. Certain rights and protections are granted to workers in Qatar under the Labour Law and these have been further supplemented pursuant to the adoption in 2013 of specific workers’ charters by the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy (the ‘SC 2022’) and Qatar Foundation for Science, Education and Community Development (the ‘Qatar Foundation’).</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">The Labour Law provides workers with certain rights and protections in respect of the provision of necessary equipment, the nature of work to be performed, remuneration, working hours and holidays, annual and sick leave, other forms of leave, occupational health and safety, compensation for accidents and death, end-of-service gratuity and repatriation obligation upon termination. Non-Qatari workers are not permitted to form worker committees, unions or similar collective organisations.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">The SC 2022’s Workers’ Welfare Standards charter, which covers all workers engaged in the World Cup stadium construction and infrastructure projects overseen by the SC 2022, says additional protections are provided to such workers requiring all its contractors and subcontractors for stadium-related projects to comply with such charter. These protections include, without limitation, ethical recruitment and fair treatment, employment offer minimum requirements, responsibility for relocation costs to Qatar, no retention of worker passports or other personal documents, dignified and ethical employment conditions, the provision of medical insurance, accommodation and food standards, reporting requirements for employers, the creation of workers’ welfare forums, transportation and site requirements and access to information in an appropriate language.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">The Qatar Foundation Mandatory Standards of Migrant Workers’ Welfare document provides similar additional rights and protections for workers involved in all Qatar Foundation projects, which includes one of the World Cup 2022 stadiums and related facilities. The Qatar Foundation charter sets out certain minimum standards with regards to the recruitment, living and working conditions of workers engaged in construction and other projects at the Qatar Foundation. These standards are applicable to, and compliance is required from, all contractors and subcontractors of Qatar Foundation. The required standards include, without limitation, preparation of a welfare adherence plan and related audit, workers being informed as to all entitlements, a safe and healthy work environment, a clean, safe and healthy living environment, equal and humane treatment, equal pay for equal work, regulated working hours, medical insurance and skills training.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong>Accessibility Requirements</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Accessibility to stadiums for disabled persons and/or persons in wheelchairs is a mandatory requirement of FIFA for all stadiums constructed for a World Cup tournament. In this respect, the SC 2022 is ensuring that all World Cup 2022 venues will be accessible to persons with disabilities so as to make the event inclusive for all. Pursuant to this requirement, accessibility is incorporated into all areas of stadium and venue design such as seating, entry and exit points, parking and toilet facilities. The SC 2022 has advised that the amount of seating for disabled persons (including for disabled media representatives) will be based on the size of each stadium and will include places for people with autism as well.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">From a local perspective there is no substantial legal provision in respect of accessibility requirements for persons with disabilities. In terms of the Qatari Law in respect of People with Special Needs, there is a general requirement to provide people with special needs with, inter alia, the means for assisted transport and equipment, accommodation for safe and secure movement as well as special facilities in public places. The Ministry of Municipality and Environment covers some of these aspects in terms of its requirements for building works, along with various other ministries and local authorities in relation to building matters, but these requirements do not extend as far as those of FIFA in terms of accessibility. However, the overall scope of the World Cup 2022 requirements would seem to imply accessibility requirements for disabled persons will inevitably need to be extended to other World Cup-related areas such as hotels and accommodation, airport and transport facilities and fan zones in order to be compatible with those at the stadium venues.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong>Summary</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">FIFA has strict benchmarks to meet when it comes to the stadiums, facilities, logistics and publicity for World Cup events while Qatar has strict legislation that cannot be easily or quickly changed. The attaining of a mutually beneficial solution will take time but can be achieved after undertaking detailed research and analysis to understand the laws that may need to be enacted or changed to host the tournament.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">There are plenty of precedents for this. South Africa for instance enacted a law to enable speedy trials in special courts in respect of crimes by fans, Brazil enacted legislation to accommodate FIFA requirements and Russia, the 2018 hosts, have also made changes to their laws in connection with the World Cup.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">The process of analysis is well under way in Qatar and changes to laws and standards in connection with World Cup 2022 have been and continue to be considered. The prospects seem to be in place for finding a solution that satisfies external and internal stakeholders, ensures a successful tournament for FIFA and the host nation as well leaving a meaningful legacy of progressive standards and legal considerations.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><em><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8030\" src=\"http://www.tamimi.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/KJBNKJN.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"5043\" height=\"1477\" /></em></p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">NB: A version of this article was first published during the week of 18 June 2018 on Lawinsport.com.</p>\r\n<em>Al Tamimi &amp; Company’s TMT team regularly advises on the full spectrum of technology, media and telecommunications matters and Roberto routinely provides key support to our Sports Law and Events Management practice. For further information please contact Steve Bainbridge (s.bainbridge@tamimi.com) or Roberto Lusardi (r.lusardi@tamimi.com).</em>'),
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INSERT INTO `tm_wsal_metadata` (`id`, `occurrence_id`, `name`, `value`) VALUES
(267676, 25882, 'ReportText', '<img class=\"aligncenter wp-image-8090 size-full\" src=\"http://www.tamimi.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/shutterstock_622400486-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"4000\" height=\"1707\" />\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">The 2022 FIFA World Cup™ is shaping up to be a momentous event. It will be the first to be held in the Middle East and the first to be hosted by an Arab country. It is well-known that the FIFA obligations imposed on a host country in relation to the tournament involve substantial changes to its laws in order to accommodate FIFA’s commercial, licensing and tax requirements, among other issues.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">This is not to say FIFA can simply impose its will and insist on complete changes to Qatar’s legal system. Qatar is a relatively conservative Arab country with traditional and established legal concepts and customs. While by necessity, and by virtue of similar situations at previous World Cups, changes will need to be made to certain local laws to meet FIFA requirements, such changes will need to be through agreements between the host country and FIFA.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Getting this balance right will result in mutual benefits for Qatar and FIFA to create a successful tournament as well developing an ongoing legacy for the host country in conjunction with the Qatar National Vision 2030. Some of these changes in law are still to be agreed while others may have already set in motion positive developments, as further shown below.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong><img class=\" wp-image-8088 alignleft\" src=\"http://www.tamimi.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/lnmn--1024x572.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"479\" height=\"268\" />Legal challenges</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">FIFA has strict requirements in respect of all aspects relating to a World Cup, from stadium construction, accommodation and transport to publicity and marketing matters related to the event. Changes to local laws are generally needed in order to allow for, among other things, FIFA to obtain all required Qatar government guarantees in respect of the World Cup, FIFA-designated goods and merchandise to be imported into Qatar free of customs duties, FIFA’s intellectual property (‘IP’) and authorised sponsors and licensees to be protected against unlawful third party actions such as sale of counterfeit goods and ambush marketing (see more below). FIFA also requires that it is exempted from taxation or otherwise favourably treated in respect of World Cup-related income.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">While there will be changes made to comply with such FIFA requirements it will generally still be necessary for persons doing business in Qatar to comply with existing Qatar laws, for example in respect of IP protection, events, customs and consumer protection, to the extent there is no conflict between the two.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Specific changes to laws and/or the enactment of enabling laws in respect of government guarantees, customs requirements and taxation have not yet been implemented. It is expected these will be agreed between Qatar and FIFA within an appropriate time period prior to the 2022 tournament, although the basis and extent of these new laws is not yet clear. It seems, however, that in respect of licensing and merchandising matters, such as in respect of ambush marketing and fake/counterfeit merchandise, the legal approach and position will be similar to that taken at previous World Cups, .</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong>Sponsorship and Merchandising</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Ambush marketing is essentially the unauthorised association by an entity of its products and/or services in respect of an event where it has no sponsorship or licensing rights. The entity is often a competitor of a duly authorised event sponsor/licensee. The aim, via clever marketing and the pushing of legal boundaries, is to create the perception (and obtain the related commercial value) of the ambushing entity being associated with the event in question, to the detriment and loss of the authorised event sponsor or licensee who has paid a substantial amount for such privilege.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Fake/counterfeit merchandising involves the sale to the public of event-themed and event-linked goods where the sellers are not authorised to do so and/or where the actual goods being sold have been not produced under authorised licence.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">As with previous World Cup tournaments, the intention of the Qatar authorities and FIFA is not to take a heavy-handed approach but at the same time ensure that action is taken quickly and decisively against any infringing persons. Special investigative units and courts specifically to deal with cases of ambush marketing and counterfeit merchandise will be created. This will involve enabling legislation being introduced to allow authorised officials to monitor and stop infringements by conducting local investigations and court hearings and issuing immediate fines to perpetrators. The plan is not to provide for any jail sentences but in all cases the infringing goods would be confiscated.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">These additional legal provisions will be supplementary to existing Qatari copyright and trademark laws which protect IP and related licensing rights in accordance with international standards. FIFA has also published an exhaustive and extremely strict code of what it considers to be unacceptable marketing practices surrounding its World Cup tournament.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong>Customs and Consumer Protection</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Irrespective of specific agreements reached with FIFA, any goods coming into Qatar in connection with the World Cup will need to comply with the existing Customs Law, whereby the General Authority of Customs have the right not to permit any goods to clear customs and enter Qatar unless such goods have been approved by the relevant authority.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Incoming goods will also need to comply with the existing Consumer Protection Law. This gives consumers in Qatar the right, amongst others, to return defective products, to the repair or replacement of any defective products and the right to receive accurate information about the products. The Consumer Protection Law prohibits the sale or marketing of defective or expired goods, with goods considered defective if they do not comply with specific standards, are unfit for purpose or have expired.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">The Electronic Commerce Law also addresses certain consumer rights by stating that its provisions are applicable to the provisions of the Consumer Protection Law. This ensures that both physical and online sales and marketing transactions are covered in relation to counterfeit goods.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong><img class=\"alignright wp-image-8092 \" src=\"http://www.tamimi.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/dgdd-589x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"211\" height=\"367\" />Tourism and Events Management</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">The provisions of the Tourism Licensing Law, which govern business activities in the tourism sector within Qatar, are applicable to the hotel and other industries within the tourism sector. They will impact related World Cup activities and ventures. The law regulates ‘tourism establishments’, defined as places operating mainly to accommodate tourists, such as entertainment establishments and specialised clubs, and other places allocated to provide services for tourists, such as tourism offices, offices offering tourist transport, tourist guide offices and time-sharing places, and any other establishment deemed to be a tourist establishment in accordance with a decision of the Minister of Economy and Commerce or the proposal of the President of the Qatar Tourism Authority. It also covers ‘tourism activities’: any activity of the transport of tourists including the transport of tourists on trips onshore or offshore, the activities of tour guides, time-sharing and any other activity deemed to be a tourist activity in accordance with a decision of the Minister of Economy and Commerce or the proposal of the President of the Qatar Tourism Authority.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Under the Tourism Licensing Law, a licence is required to establish or manage a hotel or tourist establishment or to practise any tourist activity. Applications for such a licence is made to the Qatar Tourism Authority and all hotel and/or tour operators wishing to conduct such activities in relation to the 2022 World Cup will need to be aware of such requirement.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong>Gambling</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">As with all major sporting events, the World Cup will generate substantial gambling activities. Gambling is prohibited in Qatar in all forms, whether land-based or online, as well as the advertising of gambling activities. Accordingly it is unlikely that any gambling will be tolerated and any offenders would face prosecution. The risk of enforcement against an online gambling operator outside of Qatar is lower but the offending website could be blocked by the authorities pursuant to provisions under the Cybercrime Law, which also provide for the confiscation of all devices, software or equipment used in the commission of the offence and the confiscation of any funds obtained from such offence.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong><img class=\"wp-image-8093 alignleft\" src=\"http://www.tamimi.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/shutterstock_1059032999-Converted-1024x896.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"376\" height=\"329\" />Worker’s Rights and Laws</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Due to the extensive construction and infrastructure projects associated with the 2022 World Cup in terms of stadiums, accommodation and transport, a lot of attention has been focused on the rights and welfare of the many workers who will be engaged on these projects. Certain rights and protections are granted to workers in Qatar under the Labour Law and these have been further supplemented pursuant to the adoption in 2013 of specific workers’ charters by the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy (the ‘SC 2022’) and Qatar Foundation for Science, Education and Community Development (the ‘Qatar Foundation’).</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">The Labour Law provides workers with certain rights and protections in respect of the provision of necessary equipment, the nature of work to be performed, remuneration, working hours and holidays, annual and sick leave, other forms of leave, occupational health and safety, compensation for accidents and death, end-of-service gratuity and repatriation obligation upon termination. Non-Qatari workers are not permitted to form worker committees, unions or similar collective organisations.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">The SC 2022’s Workers’ Welfare Standards charter, which covers all workers engaged in the World Cup stadium construction and infrastructure projects overseen by the SC 2022, says additional protections are provided to such workers requiring all its contractors and subcontractors for stadium-related projects to comply with such charter. These protections include, without limitation, ethical recruitment and fair treatment, employment offer minimum requirements, responsibility for relocation costs to Qatar, no retention of worker passports or other personal documents, dignified and ethical employment conditions, the provision of medical insurance, accommodation and food standards, reporting requirements for employers, the creation of workers’ welfare forums, transportation and site requirements and access to information in an appropriate language.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">The Qatar Foundation Mandatory Standards of Migrant Workers’ Welfare document provides similar additional rights and protections for workers involved in all Qatar Foundation projects, which includes one of the World Cup 2022 stadiums and related facilities. The Qatar Foundation charter sets out certain minimum standards with regards to the recruitment, living and working conditions of workers engaged in construction and other projects at the Qatar Foundation. These standards are applicable to, and compliance is required from, all contractors and subcontractors of Qatar Foundation. The required standards include, without limitation, preparation of a welfare adherence plan and related audit, workers being informed as to all entitlements, a safe and healthy work environment, a clean, safe and healthy living environment, equal and humane treatment, equal pay for equal work, regulated working hours, medical insurance and skills training.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong>Accessibility Requirements</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Accessibility to stadiums for disabled persons and/or persons in wheelchairs is a mandatory requirement of FIFA for all stadiums constructed for a World Cup tournament. In this respect, the SC 2022 is ensuring that all World Cup 2022 venues will be accessible to persons with disabilities so as to make the event inclusive for all. Pursuant to this requirement, accessibility is incorporated into all areas of stadium and venue design such as seating, entry and exit points, parking and toilet facilities. The SC 2022 has advised that the amount of seating for disabled persons (including for disabled media representatives) will be based on the size of each stadium and will include places for people with autism as well.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">From a local perspective there is no substantial legal provision in respect of accessibility requirements for persons with disabilities. In terms of the Qatari Law in respect of People with Special Needs, there is a general requirement to provide people with special needs with, inter alia, the means for assisted transport and equipment, accommodation for safe and secure movement as well as special facilities in public places. The Ministry of Municipality and Environment covers some of these aspects in terms of its requirements for building works, along with various other ministries and local authorities in relation to building matters, but these requirements do not extend as far as those of FIFA in terms of accessibility. However, the overall scope of the World Cup 2022 requirements would seem to imply accessibility requirements for disabled persons will inevitably need to be extended to other World Cup-related areas such as hotels and accommodation, airport and transport facilities and fan zones in order to be compatible with those at the stadium venues.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong>Summary</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">FIFA has strict benchmarks to meet when it comes to the stadiums, facilities, logistics and publicity for World Cup events while Qatar has strict legislation that cannot be easily or quickly changed. The attaining of a mutually beneficial solution will take time but can be achieved after undertaking detailed research and analysis to understand the laws that may need to be enacted or changed to host the tournament.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">There are plenty of precedents for this. South Africa for instance enacted a law to enable speedy trials in special courts in respect of crimes by fans, Brazil enacted legislation to accommodate FIFA requirements and Russia, the 2018 hosts, have also made changes to their laws in connection with the World Cup.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">The process of analysis is well under way in Qatar and changes to laws and standards in connection with World Cup 2022 have been and continue to be considered. The prospects seem to be in place for finding a solution that satisfies external and internal stakeholders, ensures a successful tournament for FIFA and the host nation as well leaving a meaningful legacy of progressive standards and legal considerations.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><em><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8030\" src=\"http://www.tamimi.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/KJBNKJN.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"5043\" height=\"1477\" /></em></p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">NB: A version of this article was first published during the week of 18 June 2018 on Lawinsport.com.</p>\r\n<em>Al Tamimi &amp; Company’s TMT team regularly advises on the full spectrum of technology, media and telecommunications matters and Roberto routinely provides key support to our Sports Law and Events Management practice. For further information please contact Steve Bainbridge (s.bainbridge@tamimi.com) or Roberto Lusardi (r.lusardi@tamimi.com).</em>|<img class=\"aligncenter wp-image-8090 size-full\" src=\"http://www.tamimi.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/shutterstock_622400486-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"4000\" height=\"1707\" />\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">The 2022 FIFA World Cup™ is shaping up to be a momentous event. It will be the first to be held in the Middle East and the first to be hosted by an Arab country. It is well-known that the FIFA obligations imposed on a host country in relation to the tournament involve substantial changes to its laws in order to accommodate FIFA’s commercial, licensing and tax requirements, among other issues.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">This is not to say FIFA can simply impose its will and insist on complete changes to Qatar’s legal system. Qatar is a relatively conservative Arab country with traditional and established legal concepts and customs. While by necessity, and by virtue of similar situations at previous World Cups, changes will need to be made to certain local laws to meet FIFA requirements, such changes will need to be through agreements between the host country and FIFA.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Getting this balance right will result in mutual benefits for Qatar and FIFA to create a successful tournament as well developing an ongoing legacy for the host country in conjunction with the Qatar National Vision 2030. Some of these changes in law are still to be agreed while others may have already set in motion positive developments, as further shown below.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong><img class=\" wp-image-8088 alignleft\" src=\"http://www.tamimi.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/lnmn--1024x572.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"479\" height=\"268\" />Legal challenges</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">FIFA has strict requirements in respect of all aspects relating to a World Cup, from stadium construction, accommodation and transport to publicity and marketing matters related to the event. Changes to local laws are generally needed in order to allow for, among other things, FIFA to obtain all required Qatar government guarantees in respect of the World Cup, FIFA-designated goods and merchandise to be imported into Qatar free of customs duties, FIFA’s intellectual property (‘IP’) and authorised sponsors and licensees to be protected against unlawful third party actions such as sale of counterfeit goods and ambush marketing (see more below). FIFA also requires that it is exempted from taxation or otherwise favourably treated in respect of World Cup-related income.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">While there will be changes made to comply with such FIFA requirements it will generally still be necessary for persons doing business in Qatar to comply with existing Qatar laws, for example in respect of IP protection, events, customs and consumer protection, to the extent there is no conflict between the two.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Specific changes to laws and/or the enactment of enabling laws in respect of government guarantees, customs requirements and taxation have not yet been implemented. It is expected these will be agreed between Qatar and FIFA within an appropriate time period prior to the 2022 tournament, although the basis and extent of these new laws is not yet clear. It seems, however, that in respect of licensing and merchandising matters, such as in respect of ambush marketing and fake/counterfeit merchandise, the legal approach and position will be similar to that taken at previous World Cups, .</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong>Sponsorship and Merchandising</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Ambush marketing is essentially the unauthorised association by an entity of its products and/or services in respect of an event where it has no sponsorship or licensing rights. The entity is often a competitor of a duly authorised event sponsor/licensee. The aim, via clever marketing and the pushing of legal boundaries, is to create the perception (and obtain the related commercial value) of the ambushing entity being associated with the event in question, to the detriment and loss of the authorised event sponsor or licensee who has paid a substantial amount for such privilege.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Fake/counterfeit merchandising involves the sale to the public of event-themed and event-linked goods where the sellers are not authorised to do so and/or where the actual goods being sold have been not produced under authorised licence.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">As with previous World Cup tournaments, the intention of the Qatar authorities and FIFA is not to take a heavy-handed approach but at the same time ensure that action is taken quickly and decisively against any infringing persons. Special investigative units and courts specifically to deal with cases of ambush marketing and counterfeit merchandise will be created. This will involve enabling legislation being introduced to allow authorised officials to monitor and stop infringements by conducting local investigations and court hearings and issuing immediate fines to perpetrators. The plan is not to provide for any jail sentences but in all cases the infringing goods would be confiscated.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">These additional legal provisions will be supplementary to existing Qatari copyright and trademark laws which protect IP and related licensing rights in accordance with international standards. FIFA has also published an exhaustive and extremely strict code of what it considers to be unacceptable marketing practices surrounding its World Cup tournament.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong>Customs and Consumer Protection</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Irrespective of specific agreements reached with FIFA, any goods coming into Qatar in connection with the World Cup will need to comply with the existing Customs Law, whereby the General Authority of Customs have the right not to permit any goods to clear customs and enter Qatar unless such goods have been approved by the relevant authority.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Incoming goods will also need to comply with the existing Consumer Protection Law. This gives consumers in Qatar the right, amongst others, to return defective products, to the repair or replacement of any defective products and the right to receive accurate information about the products. The Consumer Protection Law prohibits the sale or marketing of defective or expired goods, with goods considered defective if they do not comply with specific standards, are unfit for purpose or have expired.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">The Electronic Commerce Law also addresses certain consumer rights by stating that its provisions are applicable to the provisions of the Consumer Protection Law. This ensures that both physical and online sales and marketing transactions are covered in relation to counterfeit goods.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong><img class=\"alignright wp-image-8092 \" src=\"http://www.tamimi.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/dgdd-589x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"211\" height=\"367\" />Tourism and Events Management</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">The provisions of the Tourism Licensing Law, which govern business activities in the tourism sector within Qatar, are applicable to the hotel and other industries within the tourism sector. They will impact related World Cup activities and ventures. The law regulates ‘tourism establishments’, defined as places operating mainly to accommodate tourists, such as entertainment establishments and specialised clubs, and other places allocated to provide services for tourists, such as tourism offices, offices offering tourist transport, tourist guide offices and time-sharing places, and any other establishment deemed to be a tourist establishment in accordance with a decision of the Minister of Economy and Commerce or the proposal of the President of the Qatar Tourism Authority. It also covers ‘tourism activities’: any activity of the transport of tourists including the transport of tourists on trips onshore or offshore, the activities of tour guides, time-sharing and any other activity deemed to be a tourist activity in accordance with a decision of the Minister of Economy and Commerce or the proposal of the President of the Qatar Tourism Authority.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Under the Tourism Licensing Law, a licence is required to establish or manage a hotel or tourist establishment or to practise any tourist activity. Applications for such a licence is made to the Qatar Tourism Authority and all hotel and/or tour operators wishing to conduct such activities in relation to the 2022 World Cup will need to be aware of such requirement.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong>Gambling</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">As with all major sporting events, the World Cup will generate substantial gambling activities. Gambling is prohibited in Qatar in all forms, whether land-based or online, as well as the advertising of gambling activities. Accordingly it is unlikely that any gambling will be tolerated and any offenders would face prosecution. The risk of enforcement against an online gambling operator outside of Qatar is lower but the offending website could be blocked by the authorities pursuant to provisions under the Cybercrime Law, which also provide for the confiscation of all devices, software or equipment used in the commission of the offence and the confiscation of any funds obtained from such offence.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong><img class=\"wp-image-8093 alignleft\" src=\"http://www.tamimi.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/shutterstock_1059032999-Converted-1024x896.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"409\" height=\"358\" />Worker’s Rights and Laws</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Due to the extensive construction and infrastructure projects associated with the 2022 World Cup in terms of stadiums, accommodation and transport, a lot of attention has been focused on the rights and welfare of the many workers who will be engaged on these projects. Certain rights and protections are granted to workers in Qatar under the Labour Law and these have been further supplemented pursuant to the adoption in 2013 of specific workers’ charters by the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy (the ‘SC 2022’) and Qatar Foundation for Science, Education and Community Development (the ‘Qatar Foundation’).</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">The Labour Law provides workers with certain rights and protections in respect of the provision of necessary equipment, the nature of work to be performed, remuneration, working hours and holidays, annual and sick leave, other forms of leave, occupational health and safety, compensation for accidents and death, end-of-service gratuity and repatriation obligation upon termination. Non-Qatari workers are not permitted to form worker committees, unions or similar collective organisations.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">The SC 2022’s Workers’ Welfare Standards charter, which covers all workers engaged in the World Cup stadium construction and infrastructure projects overseen by the SC 2022, says additional protections are provided to such workers requiring all its contractors and subcontractors for stadium-related projects to comply with such charter. These protections include, without limitation, ethical recruitment and fair treatment, employment offer minimum requirements, responsibility for relocation costs to Qatar, no retention of worker passports or other personal documents, dignified and ethical employment conditions, the provision of medical insurance, accommodation and food standards, reporting requirements for employers, the creation of workers’ welfare forums, transportation and site requirements and access to information in an appropriate language.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">The Qatar Foundation Mandatory Standards of Migrant Workers’ Welfare document provides similar additional rights and protections for workers involved in all Qatar Foundation projects, which includes one of the World Cup 2022 stadiums and related facilities. The Qatar Foundation charter sets out certain minimum standards with regards to the recruitment, living and working conditions of workers engaged in construction and other projects at the Qatar Foundation. These standards are applicable to, and compliance is required from, all contractors and subcontractors of Qatar Foundation. The required standards include, without limitation, preparation of a welfare adherence plan and related audit, workers being informed as to all entitlements, a safe and healthy work environment, a clean, safe and healthy living environment, equal and humane treatment, equal pay for equal work, regulated working hours, medical insurance and skills training.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong>Accessibility Requirements</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Accessibility to stadiums for disabled persons and/or persons in wheelchairs is a mandatory requirement of FIFA for all stadiums constructed for a World Cup tournament. In this respect, the SC 2022 is ensuring that all World Cup 2022 venues will be accessible to persons with disabilities so as to make the event inclusive for all. Pursuant to this requirement, accessibility is incorporated into all areas of stadium and venue design such as seating, entry and exit points, parking and toilet facilities. The SC 2022 has advised that the amount of seating for disabled persons (including for disabled media representatives) will be based on the size of each stadium and will include places for people with autism as well.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">From a local perspective there is no substantial legal provision in respect of accessibility requirements for persons with disabilities. In terms of the Qatari Law in respect of People with Special Needs, there is a general requirement to provide people with special needs with, inter alia, the means for assisted transport and equipment, accommodation for safe and secure movement as well as special facilities in public places. The Ministry of Municipality and Environment covers some of these aspects in terms of its requirements for building works, along with various other ministries and local authorities in relation to building matters, but these requirements do not extend as far as those of FIFA in terms of accessibility. However, the overall scope of the World Cup 2022 requirements would seem to imply accessibility requirements for disabled persons will inevitably need to be extended to other World Cup-related areas such as hotels and accommodation, airport and transport facilities and fan zones in order to be compatible with those at the stadium venues.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong>Summary</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">FIFA has strict benchmarks to meet when it comes to the stadiums, facilities, logistics and publicity for World Cup events while Qatar has strict legislation that cannot be easily or quickly changed. The attaining of a mutually beneficial solution will take time but can be achieved after undertaking detailed research and analysis to understand the laws that may need to be enacted or changed to host the tournament.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">There are plenty of precedents for this. South Africa for instance enacted a law to enable speedy trials in special courts in respect of crimes by fans, Brazil enacted legislation to accommodate FIFA requirements and Russia, the 2018 hosts, have also made changes to their laws in connection with the World Cup.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">The process of analysis is well under way in Qatar and changes to laws and standards in connection with World Cup 2022 have been and continue to be considered. The prospects seem to be in place for finding a solution that satisfies external and internal stakeholders, ensures a successful tournament for FIFA and the host nation as well leaving a meaningful legacy of progressive standards and legal considerations.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><em><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8030\" src=\"http://www.tamimi.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/KJBNKJN.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"5043\" height=\"1477\" /></em></p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">NB: A version of this article was first published during the week of 18 June 2018 on Lawinsport.com.</p>\r\n<em>Al Tamimi &amp; Company’s TMT team regularly advises on the full spectrum of technology, media and telecommunications matters and Roberto routinely provides key support to our Sports Law and Events Management practice. For further information please contact Steve Bainbridge (s.bainbridge@tamimi.com) or Roberto Lusardi (r.lusardi@tamimi.com).</em>'),
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(267722, 25886, 'MetaValueNew', '<img class=\"aligncenter wp-image-8090 size-full\" src=\"http://www.tamimi.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/shutterstock_622400486-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"4000\" height=\"1707\" />\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">The 2022 FIFA World Cup™ is shaping up to be a momentous event. It will be the first to be held in the Middle East and the first to be hosted by an Arab country. It is well-known that the FIFA obligations imposed on a host country in relation to the tournament involve substantial changes to its laws in order to accommodate FIFA’s commercial, licensing and tax requirements, among other issues.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">This is not to say FIFA can simply impose its will and insist on complete changes to Qatar’s legal system. Qatar is a relatively conservative Arab country with traditional and established legal concepts and customs. While by necessity, and by virtue of similar situations at previous World Cups, changes will need to be made to certain local laws to meet FIFA requirements, such changes will need to be through agreements between the host country and FIFA.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Getting this balance right will result in mutual benefits for Qatar and FIFA to create a successful tournament as well developing an ongoing legacy for the host country in conjunction with the Qatar National Vision 2030. Some of these changes in law are still to be agreed while others may have already set in motion positive developments, as further shown below.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong><img class=\" wp-image-8088 alignleft\" src=\"http://www.tamimi.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/lnmn--1024x572.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"479\" height=\"268\" />Legal challenges</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">FIFA has strict requirements in respect of all aspects relating to a World Cup, from stadium construction, accommodation and transport to publicity and marketing matters related to the event. Changes to local laws are generally needed in order to allow for, among other things, FIFA to obtain all required Qatar government guarantees in respect of the World Cup, FIFA-designated goods and merchandise to be imported into Qatar free of customs duties, FIFA’s intellectual property (‘IP’) and authorised sponsors and licensees to be protected against unlawful third party actions such as sale of counterfeit goods and ambush marketing (see more below). FIFA also requires that it is exempted from taxation or otherwise favourably treated in respect of World Cup-related income.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">While there will be changes made to comply with such FIFA requirements it will generally still be necessary for persons doing business in Qatar to comply with existing Qatar laws, for example in respect of IP protection, events, customs and consumer protection, to the extent there is no conflict between the two.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Specific changes to laws and/or the enactment of enabling laws in respect of government guarantees, customs requirements and taxation have not yet been implemented. It is expected these will be agreed between Qatar and FIFA within an appropriate time period prior to the 2022 tournament, although the basis and extent of these new laws is not yet clear. It seems, however, that in respect of licensing and merchandising matters, such as in respect of ambush marketing and fake/counterfeit merchandise, the legal approach and position will be similar to that taken at previous World Cups, .</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong>Sponsorship and Merchandising</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Ambush marketing is essentially the unauthorised association by an entity of its products and/or services in respect of an event where it has no sponsorship or licensing rights. The entity is often a competitor of a duly authorised event sponsor/licensee. The aim, via clever marketing and the pushing of legal boundaries, is to create the perception (and obtain the related commercial value) of the ambushing entity being associated with the event in question, to the detriment and loss of the authorised event sponsor or licensee who has paid a substantial amount for such privilege.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Fake/counterfeit merchandising involves the sale to the public of event-themed and event-linked goods where the sellers are not authorised to do so and/or where the actual goods being sold have been not produced under authorised licence.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">As with previous World Cup tournaments, the intention of the Qatar authorities and FIFA is not to take a heavy-handed approach but at the same time ensure that action is taken quickly and decisively against any infringing persons. Special investigative units and courts specifically to deal with cases of ambush marketing and counterfeit merchandise will be created. This will involve enabling legislation being introduced to allow authorised officials to monitor and stop infringements by conducting local investigations and court hearings and issuing immediate fines to perpetrators. The plan is not to provide for any jail sentences but in all cases the infringing goods would be confiscated.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">These additional legal provisions will be supplementary to existing Qatari copyright and trademark laws which protect IP and related licensing rights in accordance with international standards. FIFA has also published an exhaustive and extremely strict code of what it considers to be unacceptable marketing practices surrounding its World Cup tournament.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong>Customs and Consumer Protection</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Irrespective of specific agreements reached with FIFA, any goods coming into Qatar in connection with the World Cup will need to comply with the existing Customs Law, whereby the General Authority of Customs have the right not to permit any goods to clear customs and enter Qatar unless such goods have been approved by the relevant authority.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Incoming goods will also need to comply with the existing Consumer Protection Law. This gives consumers in Qatar the right, amongst others, to return defective products, to the repair or replacement of any defective products and the right to receive accurate information about the products. The Consumer Protection Law prohibits the sale or marketing of defective or expired goods, with goods considered defective if they do not comply with specific standards, are unfit for purpose or have expired.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">The Electronic Commerce Law also addresses certain consumer rights by stating that its provisions are applicable to the provisions of the Consumer Protection Law. This ensures that both physical and online sales and marketing transactions are covered in relation to counterfeit goods.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong><img class=\"alignright wp-image-8092 \" src=\"http://www.tamimi.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/dgdd-589x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"211\" height=\"367\" />Tourism and Events Management</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">The provisions of the Tourism Licensing Law, which govern business activities in the tourism sector within Qatar, are applicable to the hotel and other industries within the tourism sector. They will impact related World Cup activities and ventures. The law regulates ‘tourism establishments’, defined as places operating mainly to accommodate tourists, such as entertainment establishments and specialised clubs, and other places allocated to provide services for tourists, such as tourism offices, offices offering tourist transport, tourist guide offices and time-sharing places, and any other establishment deemed to be a tourist establishment in accordance with a decision of the Minister of Economy and Commerce or the proposal of the President of the Qatar Tourism Authority. It also covers ‘tourism activities’: any activity of the transport of tourists including the transport of tourists on trips onshore or offshore, the activities of tour guides, time-sharing and any other activity deemed to be a tourist activity in accordance with a decision of the Minister of Economy and Commerce or the proposal of the President of the Qatar Tourism Authority.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Under the Tourism Licensing Law, a licence is required to establish or manage a hotel or tourist establishment or to practise any tourist activity. Applications for such a licence is made to the Qatar Tourism Authority and all hotel and/or tour operators wishing to conduct such activities in relation to the 2022 World Cup will need to be aware of such requirement.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong>Gambling</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">As with all major sporting events, the World Cup will generate substantial gambling activities. Gambling is prohibited in Qatar in all forms, whether land-based or online, as well as the advertising of gambling activities. Accordingly it is unlikely that any gambling will be tolerated and any offenders would face prosecution. The risk of enforcement against an online gambling operator outside of Qatar is lower but the offending website could be blocked by the authorities pursuant to provisions under the Cybercrime Law, which also provide for the confiscation of all devices, software or equipment used in the commission of the offence and the confiscation of any funds obtained from such offence.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong><img class=\"wp-image-8093 alignright\" src=\"http://www.tamimi.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/shutterstock_1059032999-Converted-1024x896.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"409\" height=\"358\" />Worker’s Rights and Laws</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Due to the extensive construction and infrastructure projects associated with the 2022 World Cup in terms of stadiums, accommodation and transport, a lot of attention has been focused on the rights and welfare of the many workers who will be engaged on these projects. Certain rights and protections are granted to workers in Qatar under the Labour Law and these have been further supplemented pursuant to the adoption in 2013 of specific workers’ charters by the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy (the ‘SC 2022’) and Qatar Foundation for Science, Education and Community Development (the ‘Qatar Foundation’).</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">The Labour Law provides workers with certain rights and protections in respect of the provision of necessary equipment, the nature of work to be performed, remuneration, working hours and holidays, annual and sick leave, other forms of leave, occupational health and safety, compensation for accidents and death, end-of-service gratuity and repatriation obligation upon termination. Non-Qatari workers are not permitted to form worker committees, unions or similar collective organisations.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">The SC 2022’s Workers’ Welfare Standards charter, which covers all workers engaged in the World Cup stadium construction and infrastructure projects overseen by the SC 2022, says additional protections are provided to such workers requiring all its contractors and subcontractors for stadium-related projects to comply with such charter. These protections include, without limitation, ethical recruitment and fair treatment, employment offer minimum requirements, responsibility for relocation costs to Qatar, no retention of worker passports or other personal documents, dignified and ethical employment conditions, the provision of medical insurance, accommodation and food standards, reporting requirements for employers, the creation of workers’ welfare forums, transportation and site requirements and access to information in an appropriate language.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">The Qatar Foundation Mandatory Standards of Migrant Workers’ Welfare document provides similar additional rights and protections for workers involved in all Qatar Foundation projects, which includes one of the World Cup 2022 stadiums and related facilities. The Qatar Foundation charter sets out certain minimum standards with regards to the recruitment, living and working conditions of workers engaged in construction and other projects at the Qatar Foundation. These standards are applicable to, and compliance is required from, all contractors and subcontractors of Qatar Foundation. The required standards include, without limitation, preparation of a welfare adherence plan and related audit, workers being informed as to all entitlements, a safe and healthy work environment, a clean, safe and healthy living environment, equal and humane treatment, equal pay for equal work, regulated working hours, medical insurance and skills training.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong>Accessibility Requirements</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Accessibility to stadiums for disabled persons and/or persons in wheelchairs is a mandatory requirement of FIFA for all stadiums constructed for a World Cup tournament. In this respect, the SC 2022 is ensuring that all World Cup 2022 venues will be accessible to persons with disabilities so as to make the event inclusive for all. Pursuant to this requirement, accessibility is incorporated into all areas of stadium and venue design such as seating, entry and exit points, parking and toilet facilities. The SC 2022 has advised that the amount of seating for disabled persons (including for disabled media representatives) will be based on the size of each stadium and will include places for people with autism as well.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">From a local perspective there is no substantial legal provision in respect of accessibility requirements for persons with disabilities. In terms of the Qatari Law in respect of People with Special Needs, there is a general requirement to provide people with special needs with, inter alia, the means for assisted transport and equipment, accommodation for safe and secure movement as well as special facilities in public places. The Ministry of Municipality and Environment covers some of these aspects in terms of its requirements for building works, along with various other ministries and local authorities in relation to building matters, but these requirements do not extend as far as those of FIFA in terms of accessibility. However, the overall scope of the World Cup 2022 requirements would seem to imply accessibility requirements for disabled persons will inevitably need to be extended to other World Cup-related areas such as hotels and accommodation, airport and transport facilities and fan zones in order to be compatible with those at the stadium venues.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong>Summary</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">FIFA has strict benchmarks to meet when it comes to the stadiums, facilities, logistics and publicity for World Cup events while Qatar has strict legislation that cannot be easily or quickly changed. The attaining of a mutually beneficial solution will take time but can be achieved after undertaking detailed research and analysis to understand the laws that may need to be enacted or changed to host the tournament.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">There are plenty of precedents for this. South Africa for instance enacted a law to enable speedy trials in special courts in respect of crimes by fans, Brazil enacted legislation to accommodate FIFA requirements and Russia, the 2018 hosts, have also made changes to their laws in connection with the World Cup.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">The process of analysis is well under way in Qatar and changes to laws and standards in connection with World Cup 2022 have been and continue to be considered. The prospects seem to be in place for finding a solution that satisfies external and internal stakeholders, ensures a successful tournament for FIFA and the host nation as well leaving a meaningful legacy of progressive standards and legal considerations.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><em><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8030\" src=\"http://www.tamimi.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/KJBNKJN.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"5043\" height=\"1477\" /></em></p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">NB: A version of this article was first published during the week of 18 June 2018 on Lawinsport.com.</p>\r\n<em>Al Tamimi &amp; Company’s TMT team regularly advises on the full spectrum of technology, media and telecommunications matters and Roberto routinely provides key support to our Sports Law and Events Management practice. For further information please contact Steve Bainbridge (s.bainbridge@tamimi.com) or Roberto Lusardi (r.lusardi@tamimi.com).</em>'),
(267723, 25886, 'MetaValueOld', '<img class=\"aligncenter wp-image-8090 size-full\" src=\"http://www.tamimi.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/shutterstock_622400486-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"4000\" height=\"1707\" />\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">The 2022 FIFA World Cup™ is shaping up to be a momentous event. It will be the first to be held in the Middle East and the first to be hosted by an Arab country. It is well-known that the FIFA obligations imposed on a host country in relation to the tournament involve substantial changes to its laws in order to accommodate FIFA’s commercial, licensing and tax requirements, among other issues.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">This is not to say FIFA can simply impose its will and insist on complete changes to Qatar’s legal system. Qatar is a relatively conservative Arab country with traditional and established legal concepts and customs. While by necessity, and by virtue of similar situations at previous World Cups, changes will need to be made to certain local laws to meet FIFA requirements, such changes will need to be through agreements between the host country and FIFA.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Getting this balance right will result in mutual benefits for Qatar and FIFA to create a successful tournament as well developing an ongoing legacy for the host country in conjunction with the Qatar National Vision 2030. Some of these changes in law are still to be agreed while others may have already set in motion positive developments, as further shown below.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong><img class=\" wp-image-8088 alignleft\" src=\"http://www.tamimi.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/lnmn--1024x572.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"479\" height=\"268\" />Legal challenges</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">FIFA has strict requirements in respect of all aspects relating to a World Cup, from stadium construction, accommodation and transport to publicity and marketing matters related to the event. Changes to local laws are generally needed in order to allow for, among other things, FIFA to obtain all required Qatar government guarantees in respect of the World Cup, FIFA-designated goods and merchandise to be imported into Qatar free of customs duties, FIFA’s intellectual property (‘IP’) and authorised sponsors and licensees to be protected against unlawful third party actions such as sale of counterfeit goods and ambush marketing (see more below). FIFA also requires that it is exempted from taxation or otherwise favourably treated in respect of World Cup-related income.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">While there will be changes made to comply with such FIFA requirements it will generally still be necessary for persons doing business in Qatar to comply with existing Qatar laws, for example in respect of IP protection, events, customs and consumer protection, to the extent there is no conflict between the two.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Specific changes to laws and/or the enactment of enabling laws in respect of government guarantees, customs requirements and taxation have not yet been implemented. It is expected these will be agreed between Qatar and FIFA within an appropriate time period prior to the 2022 tournament, although the basis and extent of these new laws is not yet clear. It seems, however, that in respect of licensing and merchandising matters, such as in respect of ambush marketing and fake/counterfeit merchandise, the legal approach and position will be similar to that taken at previous World Cups, .</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong>Sponsorship and Merchandising</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Ambush marketing is essentially the unauthorised association by an entity of its products and/or services in respect of an event where it has no sponsorship or licensing rights. The entity is often a competitor of a duly authorised event sponsor/licensee. The aim, via clever marketing and the pushing of legal boundaries, is to create the perception (and obtain the related commercial value) of the ambushing entity being associated with the event in question, to the detriment and loss of the authorised event sponsor or licensee who has paid a substantial amount for such privilege.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Fake/counterfeit merchandising involves the sale to the public of event-themed and event-linked goods where the sellers are not authorised to do so and/or where the actual goods being sold have been not produced under authorised licence.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">As with previous World Cup tournaments, the intention of the Qatar authorities and FIFA is not to take a heavy-handed approach but at the same time ensure that action is taken quickly and decisively against any infringing persons. Special investigative units and courts specifically to deal with cases of ambush marketing and counterfeit merchandise will be created. This will involve enabling legislation being introduced to allow authorised officials to monitor and stop infringements by conducting local investigations and court hearings and issuing immediate fines to perpetrators. The plan is not to provide for any jail sentences but in all cases the infringing goods would be confiscated.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">These additional legal provisions will be supplementary to existing Qatari copyright and trademark laws which protect IP and related licensing rights in accordance with international standards. FIFA has also published an exhaustive and extremely strict code of what it considers to be unacceptable marketing practices surrounding its World Cup tournament.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong>Customs and Consumer Protection</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Irrespective of specific agreements reached with FIFA, any goods coming into Qatar in connection with the World Cup will need to comply with the existing Customs Law, whereby the General Authority of Customs have the right not to permit any goods to clear customs and enter Qatar unless such goods have been approved by the relevant authority.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Incoming goods will also need to comply with the existing Consumer Protection Law. This gives consumers in Qatar the right, amongst others, to return defective products, to the repair or replacement of any defective products and the right to receive accurate information about the products. The Consumer Protection Law prohibits the sale or marketing of defective or expired goods, with goods considered defective if they do not comply with specific standards, are unfit for purpose or have expired.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">The Electronic Commerce Law also addresses certain consumer rights by stating that its provisions are applicable to the provisions of the Consumer Protection Law. This ensures that both physical and online sales and marketing transactions are covered in relation to counterfeit goods.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong><img class=\"alignright wp-image-8092 \" src=\"http://www.tamimi.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/dgdd-589x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"211\" height=\"367\" />Tourism and Events Management</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">The provisions of the Tourism Licensing Law, which govern business activities in the tourism sector within Qatar, are applicable to the hotel and other industries within the tourism sector. They will impact related World Cup activities and ventures. The law regulates ‘tourism establishments’, defined as places operating mainly to accommodate tourists, such as entertainment establishments and specialised clubs, and other places allocated to provide services for tourists, such as tourism offices, offices offering tourist transport, tourist guide offices and time-sharing places, and any other establishment deemed to be a tourist establishment in accordance with a decision of the Minister of Economy and Commerce or the proposal of the President of the Qatar Tourism Authority. It also covers ‘tourism activities’: any activity of the transport of tourists including the transport of tourists on trips onshore or offshore, the activities of tour guides, time-sharing and any other activity deemed to be a tourist activity in accordance with a decision of the Minister of Economy and Commerce or the proposal of the President of the Qatar Tourism Authority.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Under the Tourism Licensing Law, a licence is required to establish or manage a hotel or tourist establishment or to practise any tourist activity. Applications for such a licence is made to the Qatar Tourism Authority and all hotel and/or tour operators wishing to conduct such activities in relation to the 2022 World Cup will need to be aware of such requirement.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong>Gambling</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">As with all major sporting events, the World Cup will generate substantial gambling activities. Gambling is prohibited in Qatar in all forms, whether land-based or online, as well as the advertising of gambling activities. Accordingly it is unlikely that any gambling will be tolerated and any offenders would face prosecution. The risk of enforcement against an online gambling operator outside of Qatar is lower but the offending website could be blocked by the authorities pursuant to provisions under the Cybercrime Law, which also provide for the confiscation of all devices, software or equipment used in the commission of the offence and the confiscation of any funds obtained from such offence.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong><img class=\"wp-image-8093 alignleft\" src=\"http://www.tamimi.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/shutterstock_1059032999-Converted-1024x896.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"409\" height=\"358\" />Worker’s Rights and Laws</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Due to the extensive construction and infrastructure projects associated with the 2022 World Cup in terms of stadiums, accommodation and transport, a lot of attention has been focused on the rights and welfare of the many workers who will be engaged on these projects. Certain rights and protections are granted to workers in Qatar under the Labour Law and these have been further supplemented pursuant to the adoption in 2013 of specific workers’ charters by the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy (the ‘SC 2022’) and Qatar Foundation for Science, Education and Community Development (the ‘Qatar Foundation’).</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">The Labour Law provides workers with certain rights and protections in respect of the provision of necessary equipment, the nature of work to be performed, remuneration, working hours and holidays, annual and sick leave, other forms of leave, occupational health and safety, compensation for accidents and death, end-of-service gratuity and repatriation obligation upon termination. Non-Qatari workers are not permitted to form worker committees, unions or similar collective organisations.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">The SC 2022’s Workers’ Welfare Standards charter, which covers all workers engaged in the World Cup stadium construction and infrastructure projects overseen by the SC 2022, says additional protections are provided to such workers requiring all its contractors and subcontractors for stadium-related projects to comply with such charter. These protections include, without limitation, ethical recruitment and fair treatment, employment offer minimum requirements, responsibility for relocation costs to Qatar, no retention of worker passports or other personal documents, dignified and ethical employment conditions, the provision of medical insurance, accommodation and food standards, reporting requirements for employers, the creation of workers’ welfare forums, transportation and site requirements and access to information in an appropriate language.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">The Qatar Foundation Mandatory Standards of Migrant Workers’ Welfare document provides similar additional rights and protections for workers involved in all Qatar Foundation projects, which includes one of the World Cup 2022 stadiums and related facilities. The Qatar Foundation charter sets out certain minimum standards with regards to the recruitment, living and working conditions of workers engaged in construction and other projects at the Qatar Foundation. These standards are applicable to, and compliance is required from, all contractors and subcontractors of Qatar Foundation. The required standards include, without limitation, preparation of a welfare adherence plan and related audit, workers being informed as to all entitlements, a safe and healthy work environment, a clean, safe and healthy living environment, equal and humane treatment, equal pay for equal work, regulated working hours, medical insurance and skills training.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong>Accessibility Requirements</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Accessibility to stadiums for disabled persons and/or persons in wheelchairs is a mandatory requirement of FIFA for all stadiums constructed for a World Cup tournament. In this respect, the SC 2022 is ensuring that all World Cup 2022 venues will be accessible to persons with disabilities so as to make the event inclusive for all. Pursuant to this requirement, accessibility is incorporated into all areas of stadium and venue design such as seating, entry and exit points, parking and toilet facilities. The SC 2022 has advised that the amount of seating for disabled persons (including for disabled media representatives) will be based on the size of each stadium and will include places for people with autism as well.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">From a local perspective there is no substantial legal provision in respect of accessibility requirements for persons with disabilities. In terms of the Qatari Law in respect of People with Special Needs, there is a general requirement to provide people with special needs with, inter alia, the means for assisted transport and equipment, accommodation for safe and secure movement as well as special facilities in public places. The Ministry of Municipality and Environment covers some of these aspects in terms of its requirements for building works, along with various other ministries and local authorities in relation to building matters, but these requirements do not extend as far as those of FIFA in terms of accessibility. However, the overall scope of the World Cup 2022 requirements would seem to imply accessibility requirements for disabled persons will inevitably need to be extended to other World Cup-related areas such as hotels and accommodation, airport and transport facilities and fan zones in order to be compatible with those at the stadium venues.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong>Summary</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">FIFA has strict benchmarks to meet when it comes to the stadiums, facilities, logistics and publicity for World Cup events while Qatar has strict legislation that cannot be easily or quickly changed. The attaining of a mutually beneficial solution will take time but can be achieved after undertaking detailed research and analysis to understand the laws that may need to be enacted or changed to host the tournament.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">There are plenty of precedents for this. South Africa for instance enacted a law to enable speedy trials in special courts in respect of crimes by fans, Brazil enacted legislation to accommodate FIFA requirements and Russia, the 2018 hosts, have also made changes to their laws in connection with the World Cup.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">The process of analysis is well under way in Qatar and changes to laws and standards in connection with World Cup 2022 have been and continue to be considered. The prospects seem to be in place for finding a solution that satisfies external and internal stakeholders, ensures a successful tournament for FIFA and the host nation as well leaving a meaningful legacy of progressive standards and legal considerations.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><em><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8030\" src=\"http://www.tamimi.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/KJBNKJN.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"5043\" height=\"1477\" /></em></p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">NB: A version of this article was first published during the week of 18 June 2018 on Lawinsport.com.</p>\r\n<em>Al Tamimi &amp; Company’s TMT team regularly advises on the full spectrum of technology, media and telecommunications matters and Roberto routinely provides key support to our Sports Law and Events Management practice. For further information please contact Steve Bainbridge (s.bainbridge@tamimi.com) or Roberto Lusardi (r.lusardi@tamimi.com).</em>'),
(267724, 25886, 'MetaLink', 'content'),
(267725, 25886, 'EditorLinkPost', 'https://www.tamimi.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=7950&amp;action=edit');
INSERT INTO `tm_wsal_metadata` (`id`, `occurrence_id`, `name`, `value`) VALUES
(267726, 25886, 'ReportText', '<img class=\"aligncenter wp-image-8090 size-full\" src=\"http://www.tamimi.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/shutterstock_622400486-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"4000\" height=\"1707\" />\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">The 2022 FIFA World Cup™ is shaping up to be a momentous event. It will be the first to be held in the Middle East and the first to be hosted by an Arab country. It is well-known that the FIFA obligations imposed on a host country in relation to the tournament involve substantial changes to its laws in order to accommodate FIFA’s commercial, licensing and tax requirements, among other issues.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">This is not to say FIFA can simply impose its will and insist on complete changes to Qatar’s legal system. Qatar is a relatively conservative Arab country with traditional and established legal concepts and customs. While by necessity, and by virtue of similar situations at previous World Cups, changes will need to be made to certain local laws to meet FIFA requirements, such changes will need to be through agreements between the host country and FIFA.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Getting this balance right will result in mutual benefits for Qatar and FIFA to create a successful tournament as well developing an ongoing legacy for the host country in conjunction with the Qatar National Vision 2030. Some of these changes in law are still to be agreed while others may have already set in motion positive developments, as further shown below.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong><img class=\" wp-image-8088 alignleft\" src=\"http://www.tamimi.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/lnmn--1024x572.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"479\" height=\"268\" />Legal challenges</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">FIFA has strict requirements in respect of all aspects relating to a World Cup, from stadium construction, accommodation and transport to publicity and marketing matters related to the event. Changes to local laws are generally needed in order to allow for, among other things, FIFA to obtain all required Qatar government guarantees in respect of the World Cup, FIFA-designated goods and merchandise to be imported into Qatar free of customs duties, FIFA’s intellectual property (‘IP’) and authorised sponsors and licensees to be protected against unlawful third party actions such as sale of counterfeit goods and ambush marketing (see more below). FIFA also requires that it is exempted from taxation or otherwise favourably treated in respect of World Cup-related income.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">While there will be changes made to comply with such FIFA requirements it will generally still be necessary for persons doing business in Qatar to comply with existing Qatar laws, for example in respect of IP protection, events, customs and consumer protection, to the extent there is no conflict between the two.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Specific changes to laws and/or the enactment of enabling laws in respect of government guarantees, customs requirements and taxation have not yet been implemented. It is expected these will be agreed between Qatar and FIFA within an appropriate time period prior to the 2022 tournament, although the basis and extent of these new laws is not yet clear. It seems, however, that in respect of licensing and merchandising matters, such as in respect of ambush marketing and fake/counterfeit merchandise, the legal approach and position will be similar to that taken at previous World Cups, .</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong>Sponsorship and Merchandising</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Ambush marketing is essentially the unauthorised association by an entity of its products and/or services in respect of an event where it has no sponsorship or licensing rights. The entity is often a competitor of a duly authorised event sponsor/licensee. The aim, via clever marketing and the pushing of legal boundaries, is to create the perception (and obtain the related commercial value) of the ambushing entity being associated with the event in question, to the detriment and loss of the authorised event sponsor or licensee who has paid a substantial amount for such privilege.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Fake/counterfeit merchandising involves the sale to the public of event-themed and event-linked goods where the sellers are not authorised to do so and/or where the actual goods being sold have been not produced under authorised licence.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">As with previous World Cup tournaments, the intention of the Qatar authorities and FIFA is not to take a heavy-handed approach but at the same time ensure that action is taken quickly and decisively against any infringing persons. Special investigative units and courts specifically to deal with cases of ambush marketing and counterfeit merchandise will be created. This will involve enabling legislation being introduced to allow authorised officials to monitor and stop infringements by conducting local investigations and court hearings and issuing immediate fines to perpetrators. The plan is not to provide for any jail sentences but in all cases the infringing goods would be confiscated.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">These additional legal provisions will be supplementary to existing Qatari copyright and trademark laws which protect IP and related licensing rights in accordance with international standards. FIFA has also published an exhaustive and extremely strict code of what it considers to be unacceptable marketing practices surrounding its World Cup tournament.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong>Customs and Consumer Protection</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Irrespective of specific agreements reached with FIFA, any goods coming into Qatar in connection with the World Cup will need to comply with the existing Customs Law, whereby the General Authority of Customs have the right not to permit any goods to clear customs and enter Qatar unless such goods have been approved by the relevant authority.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Incoming goods will also need to comply with the existing Consumer Protection Law. This gives consumers in Qatar the right, amongst others, to return defective products, to the repair or replacement of any defective products and the right to receive accurate information about the products. The Consumer Protection Law prohibits the sale or marketing of defective or expired goods, with goods considered defective if they do not comply with specific standards, are unfit for purpose or have expired.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">The Electronic Commerce Law also addresses certain consumer rights by stating that its provisions are applicable to the provisions of the Consumer Protection Law. This ensures that both physical and online sales and marketing transactions are covered in relation to counterfeit goods.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong><img class=\"alignright wp-image-8092 \" src=\"http://www.tamimi.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/dgdd-589x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"211\" height=\"367\" />Tourism and Events Management</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">The provisions of the Tourism Licensing Law, which govern business activities in the tourism sector within Qatar, are applicable to the hotel and other industries within the tourism sector. They will impact related World Cup activities and ventures. The law regulates ‘tourism establishments’, defined as places operating mainly to accommodate tourists, such as entertainment establishments and specialised clubs, and other places allocated to provide services for tourists, such as tourism offices, offices offering tourist transport, tourist guide offices and time-sharing places, and any other establishment deemed to be a tourist establishment in accordance with a decision of the Minister of Economy and Commerce or the proposal of the President of the Qatar Tourism Authority. It also covers ‘tourism activities’: any activity of the transport of tourists including the transport of tourists on trips onshore or offshore, the activities of tour guides, time-sharing and any other activity deemed to be a tourist activity in accordance with a decision of the Minister of Economy and Commerce or the proposal of the President of the Qatar Tourism Authority.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Under the Tourism Licensing Law, a licence is required to establish or manage a hotel or tourist establishment or to practise any tourist activity. Applications for such a licence is made to the Qatar Tourism Authority and all hotel and/or tour operators wishing to conduct such activities in relation to the 2022 World Cup will need to be aware of such requirement.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong>Gambling</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">As with all major sporting events, the World Cup will generate substantial gambling activities. Gambling is prohibited in Qatar in all forms, whether land-based or online, as well as the advertising of gambling activities. Accordingly it is unlikely that any gambling will be tolerated and any offenders would face prosecution. The risk of enforcement against an online gambling operator outside of Qatar is lower but the offending website could be blocked by the authorities pursuant to provisions under the Cybercrime Law, which also provide for the confiscation of all devices, software or equipment used in the commission of the offence and the confiscation of any funds obtained from such offence.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong><img class=\"wp-image-8093 alignleft\" src=\"http://www.tamimi.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/shutterstock_1059032999-Converted-1024x896.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"409\" height=\"358\" />Worker’s Rights and Laws</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Due to the extensive construction and infrastructure projects associated with the 2022 World Cup in terms of stadiums, accommodation and transport, a lot of attention has been focused on the rights and welfare of the many workers who will be engaged on these projects. Certain rights and protections are granted to workers in Qatar under the Labour Law and these have been further supplemented pursuant to the adoption in 2013 of specific workers’ charters by the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy (the ‘SC 2022’) and Qatar Foundation for Science, Education and Community Development (the ‘Qatar Foundation’).</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">The Labour Law provides workers with certain rights and protections in respect of the provision of necessary equipment, the nature of work to be performed, remuneration, working hours and holidays, annual and sick leave, other forms of leave, occupational health and safety, compensation for accidents and death, end-of-service gratuity and repatriation obligation upon termination. Non-Qatari workers are not permitted to form worker committees, unions or similar collective organisations.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">The SC 2022’s Workers’ Welfare Standards charter, which covers all workers engaged in the World Cup stadium construction and infrastructure projects overseen by the SC 2022, says additional protections are provided to such workers requiring all its contractors and subcontractors for stadium-related projects to comply with such charter. These protections include, without limitation, ethical recruitment and fair treatment, employment offer minimum requirements, responsibility for relocation costs to Qatar, no retention of worker passports or other personal documents, dignified and ethical employment conditions, the provision of medical insurance, accommodation and food standards, reporting requirements for employers, the creation of workers’ welfare forums, transportation and site requirements and access to information in an appropriate language.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">The Qatar Foundation Mandatory Standards of Migrant Workers’ Welfare document provides similar additional rights and protections for workers involved in all Qatar Foundation projects, which includes one of the World Cup 2022 stadiums and related facilities. The Qatar Foundation charter sets out certain minimum standards with regards to the recruitment, living and working conditions of workers engaged in construction and other projects at the Qatar Foundation. These standards are applicable to, and compliance is required from, all contractors and subcontractors of Qatar Foundation. The required standards include, without limitation, preparation of a welfare adherence plan and related audit, workers being informed as to all entitlements, a safe and healthy work environment, a clean, safe and healthy living environment, equal and humane treatment, equal pay for equal work, regulated working hours, medical insurance and skills training.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong>Accessibility Requirements</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Accessibility to stadiums for disabled persons and/or persons in wheelchairs is a mandatory requirement of FIFA for all stadiums constructed for a World Cup tournament. In this respect, the SC 2022 is ensuring that all World Cup 2022 venues will be accessible to persons with disabilities so as to make the event inclusive for all. Pursuant to this requirement, accessibility is incorporated into all areas of stadium and venue design such as seating, entry and exit points, parking and toilet facilities. The SC 2022 has advised that the amount of seating for disabled persons (including for disabled media representatives) will be based on the size of each stadium and will include places for people with autism as well.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">From a local perspective there is no substantial legal provision in respect of accessibility requirements for persons with disabilities. In terms of the Qatari Law in respect of People with Special Needs, there is a general requirement to provide people with special needs with, inter alia, the means for assisted transport and equipment, accommodation for safe and secure movement as well as special facilities in public places. The Ministry of Municipality and Environment covers some of these aspects in terms of its requirements for building works, along with various other ministries and local authorities in relation to building matters, but these requirements do not extend as far as those of FIFA in terms of accessibility. However, the overall scope of the World Cup 2022 requirements would seem to imply accessibility requirements for disabled persons will inevitably need to be extended to other World Cup-related areas such as hotels and accommodation, airport and transport facilities and fan zones in order to be compatible with those at the stadium venues.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong>Summary</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">FIFA has strict benchmarks to meet when it comes to the stadiums, facilities, logistics and publicity for World Cup events while Qatar has strict legislation that cannot be easily or quickly changed. The attaining of a mutually beneficial solution will take time but can be achieved after undertaking detailed research and analysis to understand the laws that may need to be enacted or changed to host the tournament.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">There are plenty of precedents for this. South Africa for instance enacted a law to enable speedy trials in special courts in respect of crimes by fans, Brazil enacted legislation to accommodate FIFA requirements and Russia, the 2018 hosts, have also made changes to their laws in connection with the World Cup.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">The process of analysis is well under way in Qatar and changes to laws and standards in connection with World Cup 2022 have been and continue to be considered. The prospects seem to be in place for finding a solution that satisfies external and internal stakeholders, ensures a successful tournament for FIFA and the host nation as well leaving a meaningful legacy of progressive standards and legal considerations.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><em><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8030\" src=\"http://www.tamimi.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/KJBNKJN.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"5043\" height=\"1477\" /></em></p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">NB: A version of this article was first published during the week of 18 June 2018 on Lawinsport.com.</p>\r\n<em>Al Tamimi &amp; Company’s TMT team regularly advises on the full spectrum of technology, media and telecommunications matters and Roberto routinely provides key support to our Sports Law and Events Management practice. For further information please contact Steve Bainbridge (s.bainbridge@tamimi.com) or Roberto Lusardi (r.lusardi@tamimi.com).</em>|<img class=\"aligncenter wp-image-8090 size-full\" src=\"http://www.tamimi.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/shutterstock_622400486-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"4000\" height=\"1707\" />\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">The 2022 FIFA World Cup™ is shaping up to be a momentous event. It will be the first to be held in the Middle East and the first to be hosted by an Arab country. It is well-known that the FIFA obligations imposed on a host country in relation to the tournament involve substantial changes to its laws in order to accommodate FIFA’s commercial, licensing and tax requirements, among other issues.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">This is not to say FIFA can simply impose its will and insist on complete changes to Qatar’s legal system. Qatar is a relatively conservative Arab country with traditional and established legal concepts and customs. While by necessity, and by virtue of similar situations at previous World Cups, changes will need to be made to certain local laws to meet FIFA requirements, such changes will need to be through agreements between the host country and FIFA.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Getting this balance right will result in mutual benefits for Qatar and FIFA to create a successful tournament as well developing an ongoing legacy for the host country in conjunction with the Qatar National Vision 2030. Some of these changes in law are still to be agreed while others may have already set in motion positive developments, as further shown below.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong><img class=\" wp-image-8088 alignleft\" src=\"http://www.tamimi.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/lnmn--1024x572.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"479\" height=\"268\" />Legal challenges</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">FIFA has strict requirements in respect of all aspects relating to a World Cup, from stadium construction, accommodation and transport to publicity and marketing matters related to the event. Changes to local laws are generally needed in order to allow for, among other things, FIFA to obtain all required Qatar government guarantees in respect of the World Cup, FIFA-designated goods and merchandise to be imported into Qatar free of customs duties, FIFA’s intellectual property (‘IP’) and authorised sponsors and licensees to be protected against unlawful third party actions such as sale of counterfeit goods and ambush marketing (see more below). FIFA also requires that it is exempted from taxation or otherwise favourably treated in respect of World Cup-related income.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">While there will be changes made to comply with such FIFA requirements it will generally still be necessary for persons doing business in Qatar to comply with existing Qatar laws, for example in respect of IP protection, events, customs and consumer protection, to the extent there is no conflict between the two.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Specific changes to laws and/or the enactment of enabling laws in respect of government guarantees, customs requirements and taxation have not yet been implemented. It is expected these will be agreed between Qatar and FIFA within an appropriate time period prior to the 2022 tournament, although the basis and extent of these new laws is not yet clear. It seems, however, that in respect of licensing and merchandising matters, such as in respect of ambush marketing and fake/counterfeit merchandise, the legal approach and position will be similar to that taken at previous World Cups, .</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong>Sponsorship and Merchandising</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Ambush marketing is essentially the unauthorised association by an entity of its products and/or services in respect of an event where it has no sponsorship or licensing rights. The entity is often a competitor of a duly authorised event sponsor/licensee. The aim, via clever marketing and the pushing of legal boundaries, is to create the perception (and obtain the related commercial value) of the ambushing entity being associated with the event in question, to the detriment and loss of the authorised event sponsor or licensee who has paid a substantial amount for such privilege.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Fake/counterfeit merchandising involves the sale to the public of event-themed and event-linked goods where the sellers are not authorised to do so and/or where the actual goods being sold have been not produced under authorised licence.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">As with previous World Cup tournaments, the intention of the Qatar authorities and FIFA is not to take a heavy-handed approach but at the same time ensure that action is taken quickly and decisively against any infringing persons. Special investigative units and courts specifically to deal with cases of ambush marketing and counterfeit merchandise will be created. This will involve enabling legislation being introduced to allow authorised officials to monitor and stop infringements by conducting local investigations and court hearings and issuing immediate fines to perpetrators. The plan is not to provide for any jail sentences but in all cases the infringing goods would be confiscated.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">These additional legal provisions will be supplementary to existing Qatari copyright and trademark laws which protect IP and related licensing rights in accordance with international standards. FIFA has also published an exhaustive and extremely strict code of what it considers to be unacceptable marketing practices surrounding its World Cup tournament.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong>Customs and Consumer Protection</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Irrespective of specific agreements reached with FIFA, any goods coming into Qatar in connection with the World Cup will need to comply with the existing Customs Law, whereby the General Authority of Customs have the right not to permit any goods to clear customs and enter Qatar unless such goods have been approved by the relevant authority.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Incoming goods will also need to comply with the existing Consumer Protection Law. This gives consumers in Qatar the right, amongst others, to return defective products, to the repair or replacement of any defective products and the right to receive accurate information about the products. The Consumer Protection Law prohibits the sale or marketing of defective or expired goods, with goods considered defective if they do not comply with specific standards, are unfit for purpose or have expired.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">The Electronic Commerce Law also addresses certain consumer rights by stating that its provisions are applicable to the provisions of the Consumer Protection Law. This ensures that both physical and online sales and marketing transactions are covered in relation to counterfeit goods.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong><img class=\"alignright wp-image-8092 \" src=\"http://www.tamimi.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/dgdd-589x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"211\" height=\"367\" />Tourism and Events Management</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">The provisions of the Tourism Licensing Law, which govern business activities in the tourism sector within Qatar, are applicable to the hotel and other industries within the tourism sector. They will impact related World Cup activities and ventures. The law regulates ‘tourism establishments’, defined as places operating mainly to accommodate tourists, such as entertainment establishments and specialised clubs, and other places allocated to provide services for tourists, such as tourism offices, offices offering tourist transport, tourist guide offices and time-sharing places, and any other establishment deemed to be a tourist establishment in accordance with a decision of the Minister of Economy and Commerce or the proposal of the President of the Qatar Tourism Authority. It also covers ‘tourism activities’: any activity of the transport of tourists including the transport of tourists on trips onshore or offshore, the activities of tour guides, time-sharing and any other activity deemed to be a tourist activity in accordance with a decision of the Minister of Economy and Commerce or the proposal of the President of the Qatar Tourism Authority.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Under the Tourism Licensing Law, a licence is required to establish or manage a hotel or tourist establishment or to practise any tourist activity. Applications for such a licence is made to the Qatar Tourism Authority and all hotel and/or tour operators wishing to conduct such activities in relation to the 2022 World Cup will need to be aware of such requirement.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong>Gambling</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">As with all major sporting events, the World Cup will generate substantial gambling activities. Gambling is prohibited in Qatar in all forms, whether land-based or online, as well as the advertising of gambling activities. Accordingly it is unlikely that any gambling will be tolerated and any offenders would face prosecution. The risk of enforcement against an online gambling operator outside of Qatar is lower but the offending website could be blocked by the authorities pursuant to provisions under the Cybercrime Law, which also provide for the confiscation of all devices, software or equipment used in the commission of the offence and the confiscation of any funds obtained from such offence.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong><img class=\"wp-image-8093 alignright\" src=\"http://www.tamimi.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/shutterstock_1059032999-Converted-1024x896.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"409\" height=\"358\" />Worker’s Rights and Laws</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Due to the extensive construction and infrastructure projects associated with the 2022 World Cup in terms of stadiums, accommodation and transport, a lot of attention has been focused on the rights and welfare of the many workers who will be engaged on these projects. Certain rights and protections are granted to workers in Qatar under the Labour Law and these have been further supplemented pursuant to the adoption in 2013 of specific workers’ charters by the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy (the ‘SC 2022’) and Qatar Foundation for Science, Education and Community Development (the ‘Qatar Foundation’).</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">The Labour Law provides workers with certain rights and protections in respect of the provision of necessary equipment, the nature of work to be performed, remuneration, working hours and holidays, annual and sick leave, other forms of leave, occupational health and safety, compensation for accidents and death, end-of-service gratuity and repatriation obligation upon termination. Non-Qatari workers are not permitted to form worker committees, unions or similar collective organisations.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">The SC 2022’s Workers’ Welfare Standards charter, which covers all workers engaged in the World Cup stadium construction and infrastructure projects overseen by the SC 2022, says additional protections are provided to such workers requiring all its contractors and subcontractors for stadium-related projects to comply with such charter. These protections include, without limitation, ethical recruitment and fair treatment, employment offer minimum requirements, responsibility for relocation costs to Qatar, no retention of worker passports or other personal documents, dignified and ethical employment conditions, the provision of medical insurance, accommodation and food standards, reporting requirements for employers, the creation of workers’ welfare forums, transportation and site requirements and access to information in an appropriate language.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">The Qatar Foundation Mandatory Standards of Migrant Workers’ Welfare document provides similar additional rights and protections for workers involved in all Qatar Foundation projects, which includes one of the World Cup 2022 stadiums and related facilities. The Qatar Foundation charter sets out certain minimum standards with regards to the recruitment, living and working conditions of workers engaged in construction and other projects at the Qatar Foundation. These standards are applicable to, and compliance is required from, all contractors and subcontractors of Qatar Foundation. The required standards include, without limitation, preparation of a welfare adherence plan and related audit, workers being informed as to all entitlements, a safe and healthy work environment, a clean, safe and healthy living environment, equal and humane treatment, equal pay for equal work, regulated working hours, medical insurance and skills training.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong>Accessibility Requirements</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Accessibility to stadiums for disabled persons and/or persons in wheelchairs is a mandatory requirement of FIFA for all stadiums constructed for a World Cup tournament. In this respect, the SC 2022 is ensuring that all World Cup 2022 venues will be accessible to persons with disabilities so as to make the event inclusive for all. Pursuant to this requirement, accessibility is incorporated into all areas of stadium and venue design such as seating, entry and exit points, parking and toilet facilities. The SC 2022 has advised that the amount of seating for disabled persons (including for disabled media representatives) will be based on the size of each stadium and will include places for people with autism as well.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">From a local perspective there is no substantial legal provision in respect of accessibility requirements for persons with disabilities. In terms of the Qatari Law in respect of People with Special Needs, there is a general requirement to provide people with special needs with, inter alia, the means for assisted transport and equipment, accommodation for safe and secure movement as well as special facilities in public places. The Ministry of Municipality and Environment covers some of these aspects in terms of its requirements for building works, along with various other ministries and local authorities in relation to building matters, but these requirements do not extend as far as those of FIFA in terms of accessibility. However, the overall scope of the World Cup 2022 requirements would seem to imply accessibility requirements for disabled persons will inevitably need to be extended to other World Cup-related areas such as hotels and accommodation, airport and transport facilities and fan zones in order to be compatible with those at the stadium venues.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong>Summary</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">FIFA has strict benchmarks to meet when it comes to the stadiums, facilities, logistics and publicity for World Cup events while Qatar has strict legislation that cannot be easily or quickly changed. The attaining of a mutually beneficial solution will take time but can be achieved after undertaking detailed research and analysis to understand the laws that may need to be enacted or changed to host the tournament.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">There are plenty of precedents for this. South Africa for instance enacted a law to enable speedy trials in special courts in respect of crimes by fans, Brazil enacted legislation to accommodate FIFA requirements and Russia, the 2018 hosts, have also made changes to their laws in connection with the World Cup.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">The process of analysis is well under way in Qatar and changes to laws and standards in connection with World Cup 2022 have been and continue to be considered. The prospects seem to be in place for finding a solution that satisfies external and internal stakeholders, ensures a successful tournament for FIFA and the host nation as well leaving a meaningful legacy of progressive standards and legal considerations.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><em><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8030\" src=\"http://www.tamimi.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/KJBNKJN.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"5043\" height=\"1477\" /></em></p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">NB: A version of this article was first published during the week of 18 June 2018 on Lawinsport.com.</p>\r\n<em>Al Tamimi &amp; Company’s TMT team regularly advises on the full spectrum of technology, media and telecommunications matters and Roberto routinely provides key support to our Sports Law and Events Management practice. For further information please contact Steve Bainbridge (s.bainbridge@tamimi.com) or Roberto Lusardi (r.lusardi@tamimi.com).</em>'),
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(267776, 25891, 'PostTitle', 'Qatar 2022 World Cup: Laws, Changes and Legacy Benefits'),
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(267783, 25891, 'MetaValueNew', '<img class=\"aligncenter wp-image-8090 size-full\" src=\"http://www.tamimi.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/shutterstock_622400486-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"4000\" height=\"1707\" />\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">The 2022 FIFA World Cup™ is shaping up to be a momentous event. It will be the first to be held in the Middle East and the first to be hosted by an Arab country. It is well-known that the FIFA obligations imposed on a host country in relation to the tournament involve substantial changes to its laws in order to accommodate FIFA’s commercial, licensing and tax requirements, among other issues.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">This is not to say FIFA can simply impose its will and insist on complete changes to Qatar’s legal system. Qatar is a relatively conservative Arab country with traditional and established legal concepts and customs. While by necessity, and by virtue of similar situations at previous World Cups, changes will need to be made to certain local laws to meet FIFA requirements, such changes will need to be through agreements between the host country and FIFA.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Getting this balance right will result in mutual benefits for Qatar and FIFA to create a successful tournament as well developing an ongoing legacy for the host country in conjunction with the Qatar National Vision 2030. Some of these changes in law are still to be agreed while others may have already set in motion positive developments, as further shown below.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong><img class=\" wp-image-8088 alignleft\" src=\"http://www.tamimi.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/lnmn--1024x572.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"479\" height=\"268\" />Legal challenges</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">FIFA has strict requirements in respect of all aspects relating to a World Cup, from stadium construction, accommodation and transport to publicity and marketing matters related to the event. Changes to local laws are generally needed in order to allow for, among other things, FIFA to obtain all required Qatar government guarantees in respect of the World Cup, FIFA-designated goods and merchandise to be imported into Qatar free of customs duties, FIFA’s intellectual property (‘IP’) and authorised sponsors and licensees to be protected against unlawful third party actions such as sale of counterfeit goods and ambush marketing (see more below). FIFA also requires that it is exempted from taxation or otherwise favourably treated in respect of World Cup-related income.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">While there will be changes made to comply with such FIFA requirements it will generally still be necessary for persons doing business in Qatar to comply with existing Qatar laws, for example in respect of IP protection, events, customs and consumer protection, to the extent there is no conflict between the two.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Specific changes to laws and/or the enactment of enabling laws in respect of government guarantees, customs requirements and taxation have not yet been implemented. It is expected these will be agreed between Qatar and FIFA within an appropriate time period prior to the 2022 tournament, although the basis and extent of these new laws is not yet clear. It seems, however, that in respect of licensing and merchandising matters, such as in respect of ambush marketing and fake/counterfeit merchandise, the legal approach and position will be similar to that taken at previous World Cups, .</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong>Sponsorship and Merchandising</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Ambush marketing is essentially the unauthorised association by an entity of its products and/or services in respect of an event where it has no sponsorship or licensing rights. The entity is often a competitor of a duly authorised event sponsor/licensee. The aim, via clever marketing and the pushing of legal boundaries, is to create the perception (and obtain the related commercial value) of the ambushing entity being associated with the event in question, to the detriment and loss of the authorised event sponsor or licensee who has paid a substantial amount for such privilege.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Fake/counterfeit merchandising involves the sale to the public of event-themed and event-linked goods where the sellers are not authorised to do so and/or where the actual goods being sold have been not produced under authorised licence.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">As with previous World Cup tournaments, the intention of the Qatar authorities and FIFA is not to take a heavy-handed approach but at the same time ensure that action is taken quickly and decisively against any infringing persons. Special investigative units and courts specifically to deal with cases of ambush marketing and counterfeit merchandise will be created. This will involve enabling legislation being introduced to allow authorised officials to monitor and stop infringements by conducting local investigations and court hearings and issuing immediate fines to perpetrators. The plan is not to provide for any jail sentences but in all cases the infringing goods would be confiscated.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">These additional legal provisions will be supplementary to existing Qatari copyright and trademark laws which protect IP and related licensing rights in accordance with international standards. FIFA has also published an exhaustive and extremely strict code of what it considers to be unacceptable marketing practices surrounding its World Cup tournament.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong>Customs and Consumer Protection</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Irrespective of specific agreements reached with FIFA, any goods coming into Qatar in connection with the World Cup will need to comply with the existing Customs Law, whereby the General Authority of Customs have the right not to permit any goods to clear customs and enter Qatar unless such goods have been approved by the relevant authority.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Incoming goods will also need to comply with the existing Consumer Protection Law. This gives consumers in Qatar the right, amongst others, to return defective products, to the repair or replacement of any defective products and the right to receive accurate information about the products. The Consumer Protection Law prohibits the sale or marketing of defective or expired goods, with goods considered defective if they do not comply with specific standards, are unfit for purpose or have expired.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">The Electronic Commerce Law also addresses certain consumer rights by stating that its provisions are applicable to the provisions of the Consumer Protection Law. This ensures that both physical and online sales and marketing transactions are covered in relation to counterfeit goods.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong><img class=\"alignright wp-image-8092 \" src=\"http://www.tamimi.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/dgdd-589x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"211\" height=\"367\" />Tourism and Events Management</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">The provisions of the Tourism Licensing Law, which govern business activities in the tourism sector within Qatar, are applicable to the hotel and other industries within the tourism sector. They will impact related World Cup activities and ventures. The law regulates ‘tourism establishments’, defined as places operating mainly to accommodate tourists, such as entertainment establishments and specialised clubs, and other places allocated to provide services for tourists, such as tourism offices, offices offering tourist transport, tourist guide offices and time-sharing places, and any other establishment deemed to be a tourist establishment in accordance with a decision of the Minister of Economy and Commerce or the proposal of the President of the Qatar Tourism Authority. It also covers ‘tourism activities’: any activity of the transport of tourists including the transport of tourists on trips onshore or offshore, the activities of tour guides, time-sharing and any other activity deemed to be a tourist activity in accordance with a decision of the Minister of Economy and Commerce or the proposal of the President of the Qatar Tourism Authority.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Under the Tourism Licensing Law, a licence is required to establish or manage a hotel or tourist establishment or to practise any tourist activity. Applications for such a licence is made to the Qatar Tourism Authority and all hotel and/or tour operators wishing to conduct such activities in relation to the 2022 World Cup will need to be aware of such requirement.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong>Gambling</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">As with all major sporting events, the World Cup will generate substantial gambling activities. Gambling is prohibited in Qatar in all forms, whether land-based or online, as well as the advertising of gambling activities. Accordingly it is unlikely that any gambling will be tolerated and any offenders would face prosecution. The risk of enforcement against an online gambling operator outside of Qatar is lower but the offending website could be blocked by the authorities pursuant to provisions under the Cybercrime Law, which also provide for the confiscation of all devices, software or equipment used in the commission of the offence and the confiscation of any funds obtained from such offence.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong><img class=\"wp-image-8093 alignleft\" src=\"http://www.tamimi.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/shutterstock_1059032999-Converted-1024x896.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"409\" height=\"358\" />Worker’s Rights and Laws</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Due to the extensive construction and infrastructure projects associated with the 2022 World Cup in terms of stadiums, accommodation and transport, a lot of attention has been focused on the rights and welfare of the many workers who will be engaged on these projects. Certain rights and protections are granted to workers in Qatar under the Labour Law and these have been further supplemented pursuant to the adoption in 2013 of specific workers’ charters by the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy (the ‘SC 2022’) and Qatar Foundation for Science, Education and Community Development (the ‘Qatar Foundation’).</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">The Labour Law provides workers with certain rights and protections in respect of the provision of necessary equipment, the nature of work to be performed, remuneration, working hours and holidays, annual and sick leave, other forms of leave, occupational health and safety, compensation for accidents and death, end-of-service gratuity and repatriation obligation upon termination. Non-Qatari workers are not permitted to form worker committees, unions or similar collective organisations.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">The SC 2022’s Workers’ Welfare Standards charter, which covers all workers engaged in the World Cup stadium construction and infrastructure projects overseen by the SC 2022, says additional protections are provided to such workers requiring all its contractors and subcontractors for stadium-related projects to comply with such charter. These protections include, without limitation, ethical recruitment and fair treatment, employment offer minimum requirements, responsibility for relocation costs to Qatar, no retention of worker passports or other personal documents, dignified and ethical employment conditions, the provision of medical insurance, accommodation and food standards, reporting requirements for employers, the creation of workers’ welfare forums, transportation and site requirements and access to information in an appropriate language.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">The Qatar Foundation Mandatory Standards of Migrant Workers’ Welfare document provides similar additional rights and protections for workers involved in all Qatar Foundation projects, which includes one of the World Cup 2022 stadiums and related facilities. The Qatar Foundation charter sets out certain minimum standards with regards to the recruitment, living and working conditions of workers engaged in construction and other projects at the Qatar Foundation. These standards are applicable to, and compliance is required from, all contractors and subcontractors of Qatar Foundation. The required standards include, without limitation, preparation of a welfare adherence plan and related audit, workers being informed as to all entitlements, a safe and healthy work environment, a clean, safe and healthy living environment, equal and humane treatment, equal pay for equal work, regulated working hours, medical insurance and skills training.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong>Accessibility Requirements</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Accessibility to stadiums for disabled persons and/or persons in wheelchairs is a mandatory requirement of FIFA for all stadiums constructed for a World Cup tournament. In this respect, the SC 2022 is ensuring that all World Cup 2022 venues will be accessible to persons with disabilities so as to make the event inclusive for all. Pursuant to this requirement, accessibility is incorporated into all areas of stadium and venue design such as seating, entry and exit points, parking and toilet facilities. The SC 2022 has advised that the amount of seating for disabled persons (including for disabled media representatives) will be based on the size of each stadium and will include places for people with autism as well.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">From a local perspective there is no substantial legal provision in respect of accessibility requirements for persons with disabilities. In terms of the Qatari Law in respect of People with Special Needs, there is a general requirement to provide people with special needs with, inter alia, the means for assisted transport and equipment, accommodation for safe and secure movement as well as special facilities in public places. The Ministry of Municipality and Environment covers some of these aspects in terms of its requirements for building works, along with various other ministries and local authorities in relation to building matters, but these requirements do not extend as far as those of FIFA in terms of accessibility. However, the overall scope of the World Cup 2022 requirements would seem to imply accessibility requirements for disabled persons will inevitably need to be extended to other World Cup-related areas such as hotels and accommodation, airport and transport facilities and fan zones in order to be compatible with those at the stadium venues.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong>Summary</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">FIFA has strict benchmarks to meet when it comes to the stadiums, facilities, logistics and publicity for World Cup events while Qatar has strict legislation that cannot be easily or quickly changed. The attaining of a mutually beneficial solution will take time but can be achieved after undertaking detailed research and analysis to understand the laws that may need to be enacted or changed to host the tournament.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">There are plenty of precedents for this. South Africa for instance enacted a law to enable speedy trials in special courts in respect of crimes by fans, Brazil enacted legislation to accommodate FIFA requirements and Russia, the 2018 hosts, have also made changes to their laws in connection with the World Cup.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">The process of analysis is well under way in Qatar and changes to laws and standards in connection with World Cup 2022 have been and continue to be considered. The prospects seem to be in place for finding a solution that satisfies external and internal stakeholders, ensures a successful tournament for FIFA and the host nation as well leaving a meaningful legacy of progressive standards and legal considerations.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><em><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8030\" src=\"http://www.tamimi.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/KJBNKJN.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"5043\" height=\"1477\" /></em></p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">NB: A version of this article was first published during the week of 18 June 2018 on Lawinsport.com.</p>\r\n<em>Al Tamimi &amp; Company’s TMT team regularly advises on the full spectrum of technology, media and telecommunications matters and Roberto routinely provides key support to our Sports Law and Events Management practice. For further information please contact Steve Bainbridge (s.bainbridge@tamimi.com) or Roberto Lusardi (r.lusardi@tamimi.com).</em>'),
(267784, 25891, 'MetaValueOld', '<img class=\"aligncenter wp-image-8090 size-full\" src=\"http://www.tamimi.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/shutterstock_622400486-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"4000\" height=\"1707\" />\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">The 2022 FIFA World Cup™ is shaping up to be a momentous event. It will be the first to be held in the Middle East and the first to be hosted by an Arab country. It is well-known that the FIFA obligations imposed on a host country in relation to the tournament involve substantial changes to its laws in order to accommodate FIFA’s commercial, licensing and tax requirements, among other issues.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">This is not to say FIFA can simply impose its will and insist on complete changes to Qatar’s legal system. Qatar is a relatively conservative Arab country with traditional and established legal concepts and customs. While by necessity, and by virtue of similar situations at previous World Cups, changes will need to be made to certain local laws to meet FIFA requirements, such changes will need to be through agreements between the host country and FIFA.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Getting this balance right will result in mutual benefits for Qatar and FIFA to create a successful tournament as well developing an ongoing legacy for the host country in conjunction with the Qatar National Vision 2030. Some of these changes in law are still to be agreed while others may have already set in motion positive developments, as further shown below.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong><img class=\" wp-image-8088 alignleft\" src=\"http://www.tamimi.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/lnmn--1024x572.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"479\" height=\"268\" />Legal challenges</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">FIFA has strict requirements in respect of all aspects relating to a World Cup, from stadium construction, accommodation and transport to publicity and marketing matters related to the event. Changes to local laws are generally needed in order to allow for, among other things, FIFA to obtain all required Qatar government guarantees in respect of the World Cup, FIFA-designated goods and merchandise to be imported into Qatar free of customs duties, FIFA’s intellectual property (‘IP’) and authorised sponsors and licensees to be protected against unlawful third party actions such as sale of counterfeit goods and ambush marketing (see more below). FIFA also requires that it is exempted from taxation or otherwise favourably treated in respect of World Cup-related income.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">While there will be changes made to comply with such FIFA requirements it will generally still be necessary for persons doing business in Qatar to comply with existing Qatar laws, for example in respect of IP protection, events, customs and consumer protection, to the extent there is no conflict between the two.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Specific changes to laws and/or the enactment of enabling laws in respect of government guarantees, customs requirements and taxation have not yet been implemented. It is expected these will be agreed between Qatar and FIFA within an appropriate time period prior to the 2022 tournament, although the basis and extent of these new laws is not yet clear. It seems, however, that in respect of licensing and merchandising matters, such as in respect of ambush marketing and fake/counterfeit merchandise, the legal approach and position will be similar to that taken at previous World Cups, .</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong>Sponsorship and Merchandising</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Ambush marketing is essentially the unauthorised association by an entity of its products and/or services in respect of an event where it has no sponsorship or licensing rights. The entity is often a competitor of a duly authorised event sponsor/licensee. The aim, via clever marketing and the pushing of legal boundaries, is to create the perception (and obtain the related commercial value) of the ambushing entity being associated with the event in question, to the detriment and loss of the authorised event sponsor or licensee who has paid a substantial amount for such privilege.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Fake/counterfeit merchandising involves the sale to the public of event-themed and event-linked goods where the sellers are not authorised to do so and/or where the actual goods being sold have been not produced under authorised licence.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">As with previous World Cup tournaments, the intention of the Qatar authorities and FIFA is not to take a heavy-handed approach but at the same time ensure that action is taken quickly and decisively against any infringing persons. Special investigative units and courts specifically to deal with cases of ambush marketing and counterfeit merchandise will be created. This will involve enabling legislation being introduced to allow authorised officials to monitor and stop infringements by conducting local investigations and court hearings and issuing immediate fines to perpetrators. The plan is not to provide for any jail sentences but in all cases the infringing goods would be confiscated.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">These additional legal provisions will be supplementary to existing Qatari copyright and trademark laws which protect IP and related licensing rights in accordance with international standards. FIFA has also published an exhaustive and extremely strict code of what it considers to be unacceptable marketing practices surrounding its World Cup tournament.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong>Customs and Consumer Protection</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Irrespective of specific agreements reached with FIFA, any goods coming into Qatar in connection with the World Cup will need to comply with the existing Customs Law, whereby the General Authority of Customs have the right not to permit any goods to clear customs and enter Qatar unless such goods have been approved by the relevant authority.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Incoming goods will also need to comply with the existing Consumer Protection Law. This gives consumers in Qatar the right, amongst others, to return defective products, to the repair or replacement of any defective products and the right to receive accurate information about the products. The Consumer Protection Law prohibits the sale or marketing of defective or expired goods, with goods considered defective if they do not comply with specific standards, are unfit for purpose or have expired.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">The Electronic Commerce Law also addresses certain consumer rights by stating that its provisions are applicable to the provisions of the Consumer Protection Law. This ensures that both physical and online sales and marketing transactions are covered in relation to counterfeit goods.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong><img class=\"alignright wp-image-8092 \" src=\"http://www.tamimi.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/dgdd-589x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"211\" height=\"367\" />Tourism and Events Management</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">The provisions of the Tourism Licensing Law, which govern business activities in the tourism sector within Qatar, are applicable to the hotel and other industries within the tourism sector. They will impact related World Cup activities and ventures. The law regulates ‘tourism establishments’, defined as places operating mainly to accommodate tourists, such as entertainment establishments and specialised clubs, and other places allocated to provide services for tourists, such as tourism offices, offices offering tourist transport, tourist guide offices and time-sharing places, and any other establishment deemed to be a tourist establishment in accordance with a decision of the Minister of Economy and Commerce or the proposal of the President of the Qatar Tourism Authority. It also covers ‘tourism activities’: any activity of the transport of tourists including the transport of tourists on trips onshore or offshore, the activities of tour guides, time-sharing and any other activity deemed to be a tourist activity in accordance with a decision of the Minister of Economy and Commerce or the proposal of the President of the Qatar Tourism Authority.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Under the Tourism Licensing Law, a licence is required to establish or manage a hotel or tourist establishment or to practise any tourist activity. Applications for such a licence is made to the Qatar Tourism Authority and all hotel and/or tour operators wishing to conduct such activities in relation to the 2022 World Cup will need to be aware of such requirement.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong>Gambling</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">As with all major sporting events, the World Cup will generate substantial gambling activities. Gambling is prohibited in Qatar in all forms, whether land-based or online, as well as the advertising of gambling activities. Accordingly it is unlikely that any gambling will be tolerated and any offenders would face prosecution. The risk of enforcement against an online gambling operator outside of Qatar is lower but the offending website could be blocked by the authorities pursuant to provisions under the Cybercrime Law, which also provide for the confiscation of all devices, software or equipment used in the commission of the offence and the confiscation of any funds obtained from such offence.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong><img class=\"wp-image-8093 alignright\" src=\"http://www.tamimi.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/shutterstock_1059032999-Converted-1024x896.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"409\" height=\"358\" />Worker’s Rights and Laws</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Due to the extensive construction and infrastructure projects associated with the 2022 World Cup in terms of stadiums, accommodation and transport, a lot of attention has been focused on the rights and welfare of the many workers who will be engaged on these projects. Certain rights and protections are granted to workers in Qatar under the Labour Law and these have been further supplemented pursuant to the adoption in 2013 of specific workers’ charters by the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy (the ‘SC 2022’) and Qatar Foundation for Science, Education and Community Development (the ‘Qatar Foundation’).</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">The Labour Law provides workers with certain rights and protections in respect of the provision of necessary equipment, the nature of work to be performed, remuneration, working hours and holidays, annual and sick leave, other forms of leave, occupational health and safety, compensation for accidents and death, end-of-service gratuity and repatriation obligation upon termination. Non-Qatari workers are not permitted to form worker committees, unions or similar collective organisations.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">The SC 2022’s Workers’ Welfare Standards charter, which covers all workers engaged in the World Cup stadium construction and infrastructure projects overseen by the SC 2022, says additional protections are provided to such workers requiring all its contractors and subcontractors for stadium-related projects to comply with such charter. These protections include, without limitation, ethical recruitment and fair treatment, employment offer minimum requirements, responsibility for relocation costs to Qatar, no retention of worker passports or other personal documents, dignified and ethical employment conditions, the provision of medical insurance, accommodation and food standards, reporting requirements for employers, the creation of workers’ welfare forums, transportation and site requirements and access to information in an appropriate language.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">The Qatar Foundation Mandatory Standards of Migrant Workers’ Welfare document provides similar additional rights and protections for workers involved in all Qatar Foundation projects, which includes one of the World Cup 2022 stadiums and related facilities. The Qatar Foundation charter sets out certain minimum standards with regards to the recruitment, living and working conditions of workers engaged in construction and other projects at the Qatar Foundation. These standards are applicable to, and compliance is required from, all contractors and subcontractors of Qatar Foundation. The required standards include, without limitation, preparation of a welfare adherence plan and related audit, workers being informed as to all entitlements, a safe and healthy work environment, a clean, safe and healthy living environment, equal and humane treatment, equal pay for equal work, regulated working hours, medical insurance and skills training.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong>Accessibility Requirements</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Accessibility to stadiums for disabled persons and/or persons in wheelchairs is a mandatory requirement of FIFA for all stadiums constructed for a World Cup tournament. In this respect, the SC 2022 is ensuring that all World Cup 2022 venues will be accessible to persons with disabilities so as to make the event inclusive for all. Pursuant to this requirement, accessibility is incorporated into all areas of stadium and venue design such as seating, entry and exit points, parking and toilet facilities. The SC 2022 has advised that the amount of seating for disabled persons (including for disabled media representatives) will be based on the size of each stadium and will include places for people with autism as well.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">From a local perspective there is no substantial legal provision in respect of accessibility requirements for persons with disabilities. In terms of the Qatari Law in respect of People with Special Needs, there is a general requirement to provide people with special needs with, inter alia, the means for assisted transport and equipment, accommodation for safe and secure movement as well as special facilities in public places. The Ministry of Municipality and Environment covers some of these aspects in terms of its requirements for building works, along with various other ministries and local authorities in relation to building matters, but these requirements do not extend as far as those of FIFA in terms of accessibility. However, the overall scope of the World Cup 2022 requirements would seem to imply accessibility requirements for disabled persons will inevitably need to be extended to other World Cup-related areas such as hotels and accommodation, airport and transport facilities and fan zones in order to be compatible with those at the stadium venues.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong>Summary</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">FIFA has strict benchmarks to meet when it comes to the stadiums, facilities, logistics and publicity for World Cup events while Qatar has strict legislation that cannot be easily or quickly changed. The attaining of a mutually beneficial solution will take time but can be achieved after undertaking detailed research and analysis to understand the laws that may need to be enacted or changed to host the tournament.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">There are plenty of precedents for this. South Africa for instance enacted a law to enable speedy trials in special courts in respect of crimes by fans, Brazil enacted legislation to accommodate FIFA requirements and Russia, the 2018 hosts, have also made changes to their laws in connection with the World Cup.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">The process of analysis is well under way in Qatar and changes to laws and standards in connection with World Cup 2022 have been and continue to be considered. The prospects seem to be in place for finding a solution that satisfies external and internal stakeholders, ensures a successful tournament for FIFA and the host nation as well leaving a meaningful legacy of progressive standards and legal considerations.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><em><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8030\" src=\"http://www.tamimi.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/KJBNKJN.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"5043\" height=\"1477\" /></em></p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">NB: A version of this article was first published during the week of 18 June 2018 on Lawinsport.com.</p>\r\n<em>Al Tamimi &amp; Company’s TMT team regularly advises on the full spectrum of technology, media and telecommunications matters and Roberto routinely provides key support to our Sports Law and Events Management practice. For further information please contact Steve Bainbridge (s.bainbridge@tamimi.com) or Roberto Lusardi (r.lusardi@tamimi.com).</em>'),
(267785, 25891, 'MetaLink', 'content'),
(267786, 25891, 'EditorLinkPost', 'https://www.tamimi.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=7950&amp;action=edit');
INSERT INTO `tm_wsal_metadata` (`id`, `occurrence_id`, `name`, `value`) VALUES
(267787, 25891, 'ReportText', '<img class=\"aligncenter wp-image-8090 size-full\" src=\"http://www.tamimi.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/shutterstock_622400486-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"4000\" height=\"1707\" />\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">The 2022 FIFA World Cup™ is shaping up to be a momentous event. It will be the first to be held in the Middle East and the first to be hosted by an Arab country. It is well-known that the FIFA obligations imposed on a host country in relation to the tournament involve substantial changes to its laws in order to accommodate FIFA’s commercial, licensing and tax requirements, among other issues.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">This is not to say FIFA can simply impose its will and insist on complete changes to Qatar’s legal system. Qatar is a relatively conservative Arab country with traditional and established legal concepts and customs. While by necessity, and by virtue of similar situations at previous World Cups, changes will need to be made to certain local laws to meet FIFA requirements, such changes will need to be through agreements between the host country and FIFA.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Getting this balance right will result in mutual benefits for Qatar and FIFA to create a successful tournament as well developing an ongoing legacy for the host country in conjunction with the Qatar National Vision 2030. Some of these changes in law are still to be agreed while others may have already set in motion positive developments, as further shown below.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong><img class=\" wp-image-8088 alignleft\" src=\"http://www.tamimi.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/lnmn--1024x572.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"479\" height=\"268\" />Legal challenges</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">FIFA has strict requirements in respect of all aspects relating to a World Cup, from stadium construction, accommodation and transport to publicity and marketing matters related to the event. Changes to local laws are generally needed in order to allow for, among other things, FIFA to obtain all required Qatar government guarantees in respect of the World Cup, FIFA-designated goods and merchandise to be imported into Qatar free of customs duties, FIFA’s intellectual property (‘IP’) and authorised sponsors and licensees to be protected against unlawful third party actions such as sale of counterfeit goods and ambush marketing (see more below). FIFA also requires that it is exempted from taxation or otherwise favourably treated in respect of World Cup-related income.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">While there will be changes made to comply with such FIFA requirements it will generally still be necessary for persons doing business in Qatar to comply with existing Qatar laws, for example in respect of IP protection, events, customs and consumer protection, to the extent there is no conflict between the two.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Specific changes to laws and/or the enactment of enabling laws in respect of government guarantees, customs requirements and taxation have not yet been implemented. It is expected these will be agreed between Qatar and FIFA within an appropriate time period prior to the 2022 tournament, although the basis and extent of these new laws is not yet clear. It seems, however, that in respect of licensing and merchandising matters, such as in respect of ambush marketing and fake/counterfeit merchandise, the legal approach and position will be similar to that taken at previous World Cups, .</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong>Sponsorship and Merchandising</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Ambush marketing is essentially the unauthorised association by an entity of its products and/or services in respect of an event where it has no sponsorship or licensing rights. The entity is often a competitor of a duly authorised event sponsor/licensee. The aim, via clever marketing and the pushing of legal boundaries, is to create the perception (and obtain the related commercial value) of the ambushing entity being associated with the event in question, to the detriment and loss of the authorised event sponsor or licensee who has paid a substantial amount for such privilege.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Fake/counterfeit merchandising involves the sale to the public of event-themed and event-linked goods where the sellers are not authorised to do so and/or where the actual goods being sold have been not produced under authorised licence.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">As with previous World Cup tournaments, the intention of the Qatar authorities and FIFA is not to take a heavy-handed approach but at the same time ensure that action is taken quickly and decisively against any infringing persons. Special investigative units and courts specifically to deal with cases of ambush marketing and counterfeit merchandise will be created. This will involve enabling legislation being introduced to allow authorised officials to monitor and stop infringements by conducting local investigations and court hearings and issuing immediate fines to perpetrators. The plan is not to provide for any jail sentences but in all cases the infringing goods would be confiscated.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">These additional legal provisions will be supplementary to existing Qatari copyright and trademark laws which protect IP and related licensing rights in accordance with international standards. FIFA has also published an exhaustive and extremely strict code of what it considers to be unacceptable marketing practices surrounding its World Cup tournament.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong>Customs and Consumer Protection</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Irrespective of specific agreements reached with FIFA, any goods coming into Qatar in connection with the World Cup will need to comply with the existing Customs Law, whereby the General Authority of Customs have the right not to permit any goods to clear customs and enter Qatar unless such goods have been approved by the relevant authority.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Incoming goods will also need to comply with the existing Consumer Protection Law. This gives consumers in Qatar the right, amongst others, to return defective products, to the repair or replacement of any defective products and the right to receive accurate information about the products. The Consumer Protection Law prohibits the sale or marketing of defective or expired goods, with goods considered defective if they do not comply with specific standards, are unfit for purpose or have expired.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">The Electronic Commerce Law also addresses certain consumer rights by stating that its provisions are applicable to the provisions of the Consumer Protection Law. This ensures that both physical and online sales and marketing transactions are covered in relation to counterfeit goods.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong><img class=\"alignright wp-image-8092 \" src=\"http://www.tamimi.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/dgdd-589x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"211\" height=\"367\" />Tourism and Events Management</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">The provisions of the Tourism Licensing Law, which govern business activities in the tourism sector within Qatar, are applicable to the hotel and other industries within the tourism sector. They will impact related World Cup activities and ventures. The law regulates ‘tourism establishments’, defined as places operating mainly to accommodate tourists, such as entertainment establishments and specialised clubs, and other places allocated to provide services for tourists, such as tourism offices, offices offering tourist transport, tourist guide offices and time-sharing places, and any other establishment deemed to be a tourist establishment in accordance with a decision of the Minister of Economy and Commerce or the proposal of the President of the Qatar Tourism Authority. It also covers ‘tourism activities’: any activity of the transport of tourists including the transport of tourists on trips onshore or offshore, the activities of tour guides, time-sharing and any other activity deemed to be a tourist activity in accordance with a decision of the Minister of Economy and Commerce or the proposal of the President of the Qatar Tourism Authority.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Under the Tourism Licensing Law, a licence is required to establish or manage a hotel or tourist establishment or to practise any tourist activity. Applications for such a licence is made to the Qatar Tourism Authority and all hotel and/or tour operators wishing to conduct such activities in relation to the 2022 World Cup will need to be aware of such requirement.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong>Gambling</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">As with all major sporting events, the World Cup will generate substantial gambling activities. Gambling is prohibited in Qatar in all forms, whether land-based or online, as well as the advertising of gambling activities. Accordingly it is unlikely that any gambling will be tolerated and any offenders would face prosecution. The risk of enforcement against an online gambling operator outside of Qatar is lower but the offending website could be blocked by the authorities pursuant to provisions under the Cybercrime Law, which also provide for the confiscation of all devices, software or equipment used in the commission of the offence and the confiscation of any funds obtained from such offence.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong><img class=\"wp-image-8093 alignright\" src=\"http://www.tamimi.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/shutterstock_1059032999-Converted-1024x896.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"409\" height=\"358\" />Worker’s Rights and Laws</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Due to the extensive construction and infrastructure projects associated with the 2022 World Cup in terms of stadiums, accommodation and transport, a lot of attention has been focused on the rights and welfare of the many workers who will be engaged on these projects. Certain rights and protections are granted to workers in Qatar under the Labour Law and these have been further supplemented pursuant to the adoption in 2013 of specific workers’ charters by the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy (the ‘SC 2022’) and Qatar Foundation for Science, Education and Community Development (the ‘Qatar Foundation’).</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">The Labour Law provides workers with certain rights and protections in respect of the provision of necessary equipment, the nature of work to be performed, remuneration, working hours and holidays, annual and sick leave, other forms of leave, occupational health and safety, compensation for accidents and death, end-of-service gratuity and repatriation obligation upon termination. Non-Qatari workers are not permitted to form worker committees, unions or similar collective organisations.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">The SC 2022’s Workers’ Welfare Standards charter, which covers all workers engaged in the World Cup stadium construction and infrastructure projects overseen by the SC 2022, says additional protections are provided to such workers requiring all its contractors and subcontractors for stadium-related projects to comply with such charter. These protections include, without limitation, ethical recruitment and fair treatment, employment offer minimum requirements, responsibility for relocation costs to Qatar, no retention of worker passports or other personal documents, dignified and ethical employment conditions, the provision of medical insurance, accommodation and food standards, reporting requirements for employers, the creation of workers’ welfare forums, transportation and site requirements and access to information in an appropriate language.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">The Qatar Foundation Mandatory Standards of Migrant Workers’ Welfare document provides similar additional rights and protections for workers involved in all Qatar Foundation projects, which includes one of the World Cup 2022 stadiums and related facilities. The Qatar Foundation charter sets out certain minimum standards with regards to the recruitment, living and working conditions of workers engaged in construction and other projects at the Qatar Foundation. These standards are applicable to, and compliance is required from, all contractors and subcontractors of Qatar Foundation. The required standards include, without limitation, preparation of a welfare adherence plan and related audit, workers being informed as to all entitlements, a safe and healthy work environment, a clean, safe and healthy living environment, equal and humane treatment, equal pay for equal work, regulated working hours, medical insurance and skills training.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong>Accessibility Requirements</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Accessibility to stadiums for disabled persons and/or persons in wheelchairs is a mandatory requirement of FIFA for all stadiums constructed for a World Cup tournament. In this respect, the SC 2022 is ensuring that all World Cup 2022 venues will be accessible to persons with disabilities so as to make the event inclusive for all. Pursuant to this requirement, accessibility is incorporated into all areas of stadium and venue design such as seating, entry and exit points, parking and toilet facilities. The SC 2022 has advised that the amount of seating for disabled persons (including for disabled media representatives) will be based on the size of each stadium and will include places for people with autism as well.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">From a local perspective there is no substantial legal provision in respect of accessibility requirements for persons with disabilities. In terms of the Qatari Law in respect of People with Special Needs, there is a general requirement to provide people with special needs with, inter alia, the means for assisted transport and equipment, accommodation for safe and secure movement as well as special facilities in public places. The Ministry of Municipality and Environment covers some of these aspects in terms of its requirements for building works, along with various other ministries and local authorities in relation to building matters, but these requirements do not extend as far as those of FIFA in terms of accessibility. However, the overall scope of the World Cup 2022 requirements would seem to imply accessibility requirements for disabled persons will inevitably need to be extended to other World Cup-related areas such as hotels and accommodation, airport and transport facilities and fan zones in order to be compatible with those at the stadium venues.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong>Summary</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">FIFA has strict benchmarks to meet when it comes to the stadiums, facilities, logistics and publicity for World Cup events while Qatar has strict legislation that cannot be easily or quickly changed. The attaining of a mutually beneficial solution will take time but can be achieved after undertaking detailed research and analysis to understand the laws that may need to be enacted or changed to host the tournament.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">There are plenty of precedents for this. South Africa for instance enacted a law to enable speedy trials in special courts in respect of crimes by fans, Brazil enacted legislation to accommodate FIFA requirements and Russia, the 2018 hosts, have also made changes to their laws in connection with the World Cup.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">The process of analysis is well under way in Qatar and changes to laws and standards in connection with World Cup 2022 have been and continue to be considered. The prospects seem to be in place for finding a solution that satisfies external and internal stakeholders, ensures a successful tournament for FIFA and the host nation as well leaving a meaningful legacy of progressive standards and legal considerations.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><em><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8030\" src=\"http://www.tamimi.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/KJBNKJN.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"5043\" height=\"1477\" /></em></p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">NB: A version of this article was first published during the week of 18 June 2018 on Lawinsport.com.</p>\r\n<em>Al Tamimi &amp; Company’s TMT team regularly advises on the full spectrum of technology, media and telecommunications matters and Roberto routinely provides key support to our Sports Law and Events Management practice. For further information please contact Steve Bainbridge (s.bainbridge@tamimi.com) or Roberto Lusardi (r.lusardi@tamimi.com).</em>|<img class=\"aligncenter wp-image-8090 size-full\" src=\"http://www.tamimi.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/shutterstock_622400486-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"4000\" height=\"1707\" />\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">The 2022 FIFA World Cup™ is shaping up to be a momentous event. It will be the first to be held in the Middle East and the first to be hosted by an Arab country. It is well-known that the FIFA obligations imposed on a host country in relation to the tournament involve substantial changes to its laws in order to accommodate FIFA’s commercial, licensing and tax requirements, among other issues.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">This is not to say FIFA can simply impose its will and insist on complete changes to Qatar’s legal system. Qatar is a relatively conservative Arab country with traditional and established legal concepts and customs. While by necessity, and by virtue of similar situations at previous World Cups, changes will need to be made to certain local laws to meet FIFA requirements, such changes will need to be through agreements between the host country and FIFA.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Getting this balance right will result in mutual benefits for Qatar and FIFA to create a successful tournament as well developing an ongoing legacy for the host country in conjunction with the Qatar National Vision 2030. Some of these changes in law are still to be agreed while others may have already set in motion positive developments, as further shown below.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong><img class=\" wp-image-8088 alignleft\" src=\"http://www.tamimi.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/lnmn--1024x572.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"479\" height=\"268\" />Legal challenges</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">FIFA has strict requirements in respect of all aspects relating to a World Cup, from stadium construction, accommodation and transport to publicity and marketing matters related to the event. Changes to local laws are generally needed in order to allow for, among other things, FIFA to obtain all required Qatar government guarantees in respect of the World Cup, FIFA-designated goods and merchandise to be imported into Qatar free of customs duties, FIFA’s intellectual property (‘IP’) and authorised sponsors and licensees to be protected against unlawful third party actions such as sale of counterfeit goods and ambush marketing (see more below). FIFA also requires that it is exempted from taxation or otherwise favourably treated in respect of World Cup-related income.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">While there will be changes made to comply with such FIFA requirements it will generally still be necessary for persons doing business in Qatar to comply with existing Qatar laws, for example in respect of IP protection, events, customs and consumer protection, to the extent there is no conflict between the two.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Specific changes to laws and/or the enactment of enabling laws in respect of government guarantees, customs requirements and taxation have not yet been implemented. It is expected these will be agreed between Qatar and FIFA within an appropriate time period prior to the 2022 tournament, although the basis and extent of these new laws is not yet clear. It seems, however, that in respect of licensing and merchandising matters, such as in respect of ambush marketing and fake/counterfeit merchandise, the legal approach and position will be similar to that taken at previous World Cups, .</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong>Sponsorship and Merchandising</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Ambush marketing is essentially the unauthorised association by an entity of its products and/or services in respect of an event where it has no sponsorship or licensing rights. The entity is often a competitor of a duly authorised event sponsor/licensee. The aim, via clever marketing and the pushing of legal boundaries, is to create the perception (and obtain the related commercial value) of the ambushing entity being associated with the event in question, to the detriment and loss of the authorised event sponsor or licensee who has paid a substantial amount for such privilege.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Fake/counterfeit merchandising involves the sale to the public of event-themed and event-linked goods where the sellers are not authorised to do so and/or where the actual goods being sold have been not produced under authorised licence.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">As with previous World Cup tournaments, the intention of the Qatar authorities and FIFA is not to take a heavy-handed approach but at the same time ensure that action is taken quickly and decisively against any infringing persons. Special investigative units and courts specifically to deal with cases of ambush marketing and counterfeit merchandise will be created. This will involve enabling legislation being introduced to allow authorised officials to monitor and stop infringements by conducting local investigations and court hearings and issuing immediate fines to perpetrators. The plan is not to provide for any jail sentences but in all cases the infringing goods would be confiscated.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">These additional legal provisions will be supplementary to existing Qatari copyright and trademark laws which protect IP and related licensing rights in accordance with international standards. FIFA has also published an exhaustive and extremely strict code of what it considers to be unacceptable marketing practices surrounding its World Cup tournament.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong>Customs and Consumer Protection</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Irrespective of specific agreements reached with FIFA, any goods coming into Qatar in connection with the World Cup will need to comply with the existing Customs Law, whereby the General Authority of Customs have the right not to permit any goods to clear customs and enter Qatar unless such goods have been approved by the relevant authority.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Incoming goods will also need to comply with the existing Consumer Protection Law. This gives consumers in Qatar the right, amongst others, to return defective products, to the repair or replacement of any defective products and the right to receive accurate information about the products. The Consumer Protection Law prohibits the sale or marketing of defective or expired goods, with goods considered defective if they do not comply with specific standards, are unfit for purpose or have expired.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">The Electronic Commerce Law also addresses certain consumer rights by stating that its provisions are applicable to the provisions of the Consumer Protection Law. This ensures that both physical and online sales and marketing transactions are covered in relation to counterfeit goods.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong><img class=\"alignright wp-image-8092 \" src=\"http://www.tamimi.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/dgdd-589x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"211\" height=\"367\" />Tourism and Events Management</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">The provisions of the Tourism Licensing Law, which govern business activities in the tourism sector within Qatar, are applicable to the hotel and other industries within the tourism sector. They will impact related World Cup activities and ventures. The law regulates ‘tourism establishments’, defined as places operating mainly to accommodate tourists, such as entertainment establishments and specialised clubs, and other places allocated to provide services for tourists, such as tourism offices, offices offering tourist transport, tourist guide offices and time-sharing places, and any other establishment deemed to be a tourist establishment in accordance with a decision of the Minister of Economy and Commerce or the proposal of the President of the Qatar Tourism Authority. It also covers ‘tourism activities’: any activity of the transport of tourists including the transport of tourists on trips onshore or offshore, the activities of tour guides, time-sharing and any other activity deemed to be a tourist activity in accordance with a decision of the Minister of Economy and Commerce or the proposal of the President of the Qatar Tourism Authority.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Under the Tourism Licensing Law, a licence is required to establish or manage a hotel or tourist establishment or to practise any tourist activity. Applications for such a licence is made to the Qatar Tourism Authority and all hotel and/or tour operators wishing to conduct such activities in relation to the 2022 World Cup will need to be aware of such requirement.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong>Gambling</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">As with all major sporting events, the World Cup will generate substantial gambling activities. Gambling is prohibited in Qatar in all forms, whether land-based or online, as well as the advertising of gambling activities. Accordingly it is unlikely that any gambling will be tolerated and any offenders would face prosecution. The risk of enforcement against an online gambling operator outside of Qatar is lower but the offending website could be blocked by the authorities pursuant to provisions under the Cybercrime Law, which also provide for the confiscation of all devices, software or equipment used in the commission of the offence and the confiscation of any funds obtained from such offence.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong><img class=\"wp-image-8093 alignleft\" src=\"http://www.tamimi.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/shutterstock_1059032999-Converted-1024x896.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"409\" height=\"358\" />Worker’s Rights and Laws</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Due to the extensive construction and infrastructure projects associated with the 2022 World Cup in terms of stadiums, accommodation and transport, a lot of attention has been focused on the rights and welfare of the many workers who will be engaged on these projects. Certain rights and protections are granted to workers in Qatar under the Labour Law and these have been further supplemented pursuant to the adoption in 2013 of specific workers’ charters by the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy (the ‘SC 2022’) and Qatar Foundation for Science, Education and Community Development (the ‘Qatar Foundation’).</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">The Labour Law provides workers with certain rights and protections in respect of the provision of necessary equipment, the nature of work to be performed, remuneration, working hours and holidays, annual and sick leave, other forms of leave, occupational health and safety, compensation for accidents and death, end-of-service gratuity and repatriation obligation upon termination. Non-Qatari workers are not permitted to form worker committees, unions or similar collective organisations.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">The SC 2022’s Workers’ Welfare Standards charter, which covers all workers engaged in the World Cup stadium construction and infrastructure projects overseen by the SC 2022, says additional protections are provided to such workers requiring all its contractors and subcontractors for stadium-related projects to comply with such charter. These protections include, without limitation, ethical recruitment and fair treatment, employment offer minimum requirements, responsibility for relocation costs to Qatar, no retention of worker passports or other personal documents, dignified and ethical employment conditions, the provision of medical insurance, accommodation and food standards, reporting requirements for employers, the creation of workers’ welfare forums, transportation and site requirements and access to information in an appropriate language.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">The Qatar Foundation Mandatory Standards of Migrant Workers’ Welfare document provides similar additional rights and protections for workers involved in all Qatar Foundation projects, which includes one of the World Cup 2022 stadiums and related facilities. The Qatar Foundation charter sets out certain minimum standards with regards to the recruitment, living and working conditions of workers engaged in construction and other projects at the Qatar Foundation. These standards are applicable to, and compliance is required from, all contractors and subcontractors of Qatar Foundation. The required standards include, without limitation, preparation of a welfare adherence plan and related audit, workers being informed as to all entitlements, a safe and healthy work environment, a clean, safe and healthy living environment, equal and humane treatment, equal pay for equal work, regulated working hours, medical insurance and skills training.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong>Accessibility Requirements</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Accessibility to stadiums for disabled persons and/or persons in wheelchairs is a mandatory requirement of FIFA for all stadiums constructed for a World Cup tournament. In this respect, the SC 2022 is ensuring that all World Cup 2022 venues will be accessible to persons with disabilities so as to make the event inclusive for all. Pursuant to this requirement, accessibility is incorporated into all areas of stadium and venue design such as seating, entry and exit points, parking and toilet facilities. The SC 2022 has advised that the amount of seating for disabled persons (including for disabled media representatives) will be based on the size of each stadium and will include places for people with autism as well.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">From a local perspective there is no substantial legal provision in respect of accessibility requirements for persons with disabilities. In terms of the Qatari Law in respect of People with Special Needs, there is a general requirement to provide people with special needs with, inter alia, the means for assisted transport and equipment, accommodation for safe and secure movement as well as special facilities in public places. The Ministry of Municipality and Environment covers some of these aspects in terms of its requirements for building works, along with various other ministries and local authorities in relation to building matters, but these requirements do not extend as far as those of FIFA in terms of accessibility. However, the overall scope of the World Cup 2022 requirements would seem to imply accessibility requirements for disabled persons will inevitably need to be extended to other World Cup-related areas such as hotels and accommodation, airport and transport facilities and fan zones in order to be compatible with those at the stadium venues.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong>Summary</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">FIFA has strict benchmarks to meet when it comes to the stadiums, facilities, logistics and publicity for World Cup events while Qatar has strict legislation that cannot be easily or quickly changed. The attaining of a mutually beneficial solution will take time but can be achieved after undertaking detailed research and analysis to understand the laws that may need to be enacted or changed to host the tournament.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">There are plenty of precedents for this. South Africa for instance enacted a law to enable speedy trials in special courts in respect of crimes by fans, Brazil enacted legislation to accommodate FIFA requirements and Russia, the 2018 hosts, have also made changes to their laws in connection with the World Cup.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">The process of analysis is well under way in Qatar and changes to laws and standards in connection with World Cup 2022 have been and continue to be considered. The prospects seem to be in place for finding a solution that satisfies external and internal stakeholders, ensures a successful tournament for FIFA and the host nation as well leaving a meaningful legacy of progressive standards and legal considerations.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><em><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8030\" src=\"http://www.tamimi.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/KJBNKJN.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"5043\" height=\"1477\" /></em></p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">NB: A version of this article was first published during the week of 18 June 2018 on Lawinsport.com.</p>\r\n<em>Al Tamimi &amp; Company’s TMT team regularly advises on the full spectrum of technology, media and telecommunications matters and Roberto routinely provides key support to our Sports Law and Events Management practice. For further information please contact Steve Bainbridge (s.bainbridge@tamimi.com) or Roberto Lusardi (r.lusardi@tamimi.com).</em>'),
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(267844, 25896, 'MetaValueNew', '<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8028\" src=\"http://www.tamimi.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/shutterstock_791480302.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"6400\" height=\"2008\" /></p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Progress towards privatising the top 14 professional football clubs in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (\"KSA\") continues apace in light of a string of recent developments.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong>Background</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Presently KSA sporting clubs, including clubs competing in the Saudi Professional League (\"SPL\"), are government-owned. This status quo stems from an historic objective to centralise the growth and development of socially-desirable sporting initiatives across KSA sports, including those which may not enjoy the commercial appeal and sustainability of football.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">The push towards privatisation of SPL clubs started in earnest in April 2016 with the unveiling of the Saudi Vision 2030 plan (\"Vision 2030\"), which aims to diversify KSA’s economy and reduce its dependence on oil revenues. Vision 2030 crystallised the government’s long-standing position, advanced most recently by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammad bin Salman that the privatisation of certain state-owned assets can and should play a significant role in economic and social development. The plan expressly promotes social goals including increasing physical and sporting activities, as well as the creation of new public-private partnerships (\"PPPs\") to establish dedicated sporting facilities and programmes, a general reduction in costs and increased efficiency.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">The unveiling of Vision 2030 prompted a number of developments. In May 2016, the General Presidency of Youth Welfare was rebranded as the General Authority for Sports (\"GAS\") and given greater responsibilities for developing sports clubs and facilities. This was followed in June 2016 by the launch of the National Transformation Program 2020, a framework for the implementation of Vision 2030. Shortly thereafter in July 2016, the GAS and the Ministry of Commence and Investment launched a campaign to increase awareness amongst KSA football clubs and other interested parties regarding, inter alia, the need to register trademarks and otherwise protect their IP.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">In November 2016, the Council of Ministers approved the Council for Economic Development Affairs’ (\"CEDA\") recommendations to:</p>\r\n\r\n<ol>\r\n 	<li dir=\"LTR\">privatise SPL clubs as new corporate entities;</li>\r\n 	<li dir=\"LTR\">give the GAS responsibility for granting licences to such entities;</li>\r\n 	<li dir=\"LTR\">create a Sports Development Fund to finance new stadiums and facilities for clubs; and</li>\r\n 	<li dir=\"LTR\">create a supervisory committee (headed by the Chairman of the GAS and with representatives of the SPL and Saudi Arabian Football Federation (\"SAFF\")) to oversee the transfer of operational and financial control from government hands to the private sector.</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Specific goals for the privatisation process were also set, including elevating the quality and status of the SPL and positioning it to diversify revenues and make a greater contribution to the national economy. All of these steps indicate that a serious review of factors relevant to the privatisation process has been undertaken, underlining the KSA government’s commitment to the project.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong>Recent Developments</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">A number of recent developments impact, either directly or indirectly, upon the plans to privatise SPL clubs and the potential of a privatised KSA football industry:</p>\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n 	<li dir=\"LTR\">In February 2017, Jadwa Investment, one of KSA’s largest privately-owned investment banks, was appointed to advise on the privatisation of up to five SPL clubs, following a competitive tender exercise;</li>\r\n 	<li dir=\"LTR\">In January 2018, the KSA government lifted the ban on women attending football games and in doing so opened up a large and hitherto un-tapped commercial market for the SPL;</li>\r\n 	<li dir=\"LTR\">In February 2018, SAFF announced a new 10 year broadcasting deal with Saudi Telecommunications Company (\"STC\", which is 70% owned by the KSA Public Investment Fund) from season 2018/19 worth $1.76 billion. This deal is reportedly an increase of 61% from the previous deal with MBC and ensures that all SPL games are free-to-air across the MENA region; and</li>\r\n 	<li dir=\"LTR\">In April 2018, CEDA approved a ‘Privatisation Program’ for the creation of, inter alia, the legal and regulatory basis for the privatisation process. The Privatisation Program document confirms that the privatisation of SPL clubs is a core component of the initial tranche of projects due to be finalised by 2020.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">These recent developments demonstrate a number of important points. Firstly, that the KSA government remains committed to keeping up the momentum towards the privatisation of SPL clubs. Secondly, that the privatisation of SPL clubs has become a bellwether project to showcase KSA’s progressive economic and social reforms, with the expectation that the SPL will become a powerful marketing tool for KSA to attract international brands and investors. And thirdly, that the KSA government is committed to grow and develop the KSA football industry in general.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong>The Structural Potential of KSA Football</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Football is the preeminent sport in Saudi Arabia. The national team is one of the most successful in Asia, winning the AFC Asian Cup three times (and reaching the final on three further occasions) since 1984, as well as qualifying for the FIFA World Cup on five occasions, including Russia 2018. Domestically, Al-Hilal FC and Al-Nassr FC are considered to be the amongst the leading football clubs in Asia, having won numerous Asian Club Championship, AFC Champions League and Arab Club Championship titles.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">KSA football clubs tend to rely on a combination of traditional revenue streams (broadcast, commercial and match-day) and contributions from wealthy groups and individuals affiliated, formally or informally, with clubs. The hope is that privatisation will significantly increase traditional revenue streams without impacting investment from wealthy groups and individuals. As touched upon further below, this may require some delicate handling to ensure that the best aspects of modern corporate governance and management structures do not alienate existing financial backers.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Football is the largest spectator sport in KSA and the SPL boasts an impressive average stadium capacity of 33,273 (falling just short of the English Premier League’s 37,644). Given that the average SPL attendance in the 2017/18 season was only 5,726, there is spare capacity into which the SPL fan base can grow. As alluded to above, fan engagement with SPL and attendances are expected to receive a significant boost from the progressive societal reforms taking place in KSA generally.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Fan engagement is also expected to receive a boost due to the new broadcast deal with STC, which ensures that all SPL games will be free-to-air across the MENA region. International broadcast penetration of the SPL has also hitherto been limited, with only about 5% of MBC Pro Sports (the outgoing SPL broadcast rights-holder) subscriptions coming from outside Saudi Arabia. The new rights deal should ensure that SPL viewership increases many-fold.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">In addition, KSA has one of the most digitally engaged populations in the world. Mobile phone penetration is extremely high (estimated at 180 subscriptions per 100 residents), it has the highest per capita rate of YouTube use of any country in the world (according to a 2015 BBC study) and its residents use social media for an average of five hours per day (according to a 2016 YouGov study). Potential football fans are therefore increasingly accessible and SPL clubs are increasingly looking to engage with their already very large digital fan-bases.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong>Potential Challenges</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">After positive reports in early 2017, specific details about the procedural steps for transforming clubs into corporate entities and subsequently formalising the process of private investment, including timelines, applicable regulations and execution documentation have still not been confirmed as of the date of this article’s publication. For example, it is not yet known whether a specific corporate entity will be required to hold the assets, or what form and scope a designated long-term regulator may take and what its part in the privatisation process will be. Anecdotal reports suggest that for the purposes of investment, every club will have two components: assets and real estate; and that a given privatisation need not necessarily include an obligation to purchase the club’s real estate. This would provide some welcome flexibility to investors in considering various business plans and strategies to optimise growth and development in years to come.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong>Comment</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Subject to effective implementation and the absence of significant market distortion factors, the privatisation of sports clubs can be beneficial in terms of providing both access to capital for short-term investment in stadia, training facilities and playing squads, and also in establishing the necessary business framework to nurture talent and encourage the best practices in club management. Indeed the prospect of attracting owners who are incentivised to bring the best and brightest management teams to drive commercial success could bode well in terms of growing match-day revenues with stadium development and an increased ability to compete for domestic and foreign players.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Given the issues outlined above, the 2020 target date for all SPL clubs to be privatised does seem ambitious, as some commentators have noted; however the KSA government is clearly committed to the project. Indeed, it has become a central pillar in the delivery plan for Vision 2030 and the political capital staked on the project being a success should help drive it forward.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">As touched upon in this article, a number of unknowns remain. For example, the size of the Sports Development Fund earmarked for assisting with this process and the precise details of planned allocations are not officially available at present but the establishment of the fund does suggest an understanding and appreciation that there will be certain costs involved in helping even the top clubs achieve immediate sustainability.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Further afield, the privatisation of SPL clubs has prompted reports that Saudi investors are considering investment into British clubs in order to link them with newly privatised SPL clubs. Ironically, and subject to particular investment dynamics, this could mean that the sovereign wealth fund created by the wider KSA privatisation program may indirectly lead to Saudi investment in European clubs, which we are already starting to see (e.g., Sheffield United), in much the same way that middle-eastern investors have acquired Premier League and Ligue 1 clubs.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">It is likely that the SPL would benefit significantly from such tie-ups, as they would bring to the table a wealth of on-field and off-field technical expertise, as well as opportunities to share playing talent and synchronise commercial objectives. In addition to the ancillary benefits of such direct foreign investment, Saudi interests have also been linked with proposals to reconceive the Club World Cup. With greater influence in top leagues and competitions abroad and a roadmap to stabilize and grow the domestic league, the future for the KSA football industry has never looked brighter.</p>\r\n&nbsp;<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><em><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8025\" src=\"http://www.tamimi.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/shutterstock_1051299398.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"5999\" height=\"2678\" /></p>\r\n&nbsp;<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">NB: This article was first published on 15 June 2018 on lawinsport.com</em></p>\r\n<em>Steve leads Al Tamimi &amp; Company’s Sports and Events Management practice. For further information, please contact Steve Bainbridge (s.bainbridge@tamimi.com).</em>'),
(267845, 25896, 'MetaValueOld', '<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8028\" src=\"http://www.tamimi.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/shutterstock_791480302.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"6400\" height=\"2008\" />Progress towards privatising the top 14 professional football clubs in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (\"KSA\") continues apace in light of a string of recent developments.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong>Background</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Presently KSA sporting clubs, including clubs competing in the Saudi Professional League (\"SPL\"), are government-owned. This status quo stems from an historic objective to centralise the growth and development of socially-desirable sporting initiatives across KSA sports, including those which may not enjoy the commercial appeal and sustainability of football.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">The push towards privatisation of SPL clubs started in earnest in April 2016 with the unveiling of the Saudi Vision 2030 plan (\"Vision 2030\"), which aims to diversify KSA’s economy and reduce its dependence on oil revenues. Vision 2030 crystallised the government’s long-standing position, advanced most recently by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammad bin Salman that the privatisation of certain state-owned assets can and should play a significant role in economic and social development. The plan expressly promotes social goals including increasing physical and sporting activities, as well as the creation of new public-private partnerships (\"PPPs\") to establish dedicated sporting facilities and programmes, a general reduction in costs and increased efficiency.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">The unveiling of Vision 2030 prompted a number of developments. In May 2016, the General Presidency of Youth Welfare was rebranded as the General Authority for Sports (\"GAS\") and given greater responsibilities for developing sports clubs and facilities. This was followed in June 2016 by the launch of the National Transformation Program 2020, a framework for the implementation of Vision 2030. Shortly thereafter in July 2016, the GAS and the Ministry of Commence and Investment launched a campaign to increase awareness amongst KSA football clubs and other interested parties regarding, inter alia, the need to register trademarks and otherwise protect their IP.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">In November 2016, the Council of Ministers approved the Council for Economic Development Affairs’ (\"CEDA\") recommendations to:</p>\r\n\r\n<ol>\r\n 	<li dir=\"LTR\">privatise SPL clubs as new corporate entities;</li>\r\n 	<li dir=\"LTR\">give the GAS responsibility for granting licences to such entities;</li>\r\n 	<li dir=\"LTR\">create a Sports Development Fund to finance new stadiums and facilities for clubs; and</li>\r\n 	<li dir=\"LTR\">create a supervisory committee (headed by the Chairman of the GAS and with representatives of the SPL and Saudi Arabian Football Federation (\"SAFF\")) to oversee the transfer of operational and financial control from government hands to the private sector.</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Specific goals for the privatisation process were also set, including elevating the quality and status of the SPL and positioning it to diversify revenues and make a greater contribution to the national economy. All of these steps indicate that a serious review of factors relevant to the privatisation process has been undertaken, underlining the KSA government’s commitment to the project.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong>Recent Developments</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">A number of recent developments impact, either directly or indirectly, upon the plans to privatise SPL clubs and the potential of a privatised KSA football industry:</p>\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n 	<li dir=\"LTR\">In February 2017, Jadwa Investment, one of KSA’s largest privately-owned investment banks, was appointed to advise on the privatisation of up to five SPL clubs, following a competitive tender exercise;</li>\r\n 	<li dir=\"LTR\">In January 2018, the KSA government lifted the ban on women attending football games and in doing so opened up a large and hitherto un-tapped commercial market for the SPL;</li>\r\n 	<li dir=\"LTR\">In February 2018, SAFF announced a new 10 year broadcasting deal with Saudi Telecommunications Company (\"STC\", which is 70% owned by the KSA Public Investment Fund) from season 2018/19 worth $1.76 billion. This deal is reportedly an increase of 61% from the previous deal with MBC and ensures that all SPL games are free-to-air across the MENA region; and</li>\r\n 	<li dir=\"LTR\">In April 2018, CEDA approved a ‘Privatisation Program’ for the creation of, inter alia, the legal and regulatory basis for the privatisation process. The Privatisation Program document confirms that the privatisation of SPL clubs is a core component of the initial tranche of projects due to be finalised by 2020.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">These recent developments demonstrate a number of important points. Firstly, that the KSA government remains committed to keeping up the momentum towards the privatisation of SPL clubs. Secondly, that the privatisation of SPL clubs has become a bellwether project to showcase KSA’s progressive economic and social reforms, with the expectation that the SPL will become a powerful marketing tool for KSA to attract international brands and investors. And thirdly, that the KSA government is committed to grow and develop the KSA football industry in general.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong>The Structural Potential of KSA Football</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Football is the preeminent sport in Saudi Arabia. The national team is one of the most successful in Asia, winning the AFC Asian Cup three times (and reaching the final on three further occasions) since 1984, as well as qualifying for the FIFA World Cup on five occasions, including Russia 2018. Domestically, Al-Hilal FC and Al-Nassr FC are considered to be the amongst the leading football clubs in Asia, having won numerous Asian Club Championship, AFC Champions League and Arab Club Championship titles.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">KSA football clubs tend to rely on a combination of traditional revenue streams (broadcast, commercial and match-day) and contributions from wealthy groups and individuals affiliated, formally or informally, with clubs. The hope is that privatisation will significantly increase traditional revenue streams without impacting investment from wealthy groups and individuals. As touched upon further below, this may require some delicate handling to ensure that the best aspects of modern corporate governance and management structures do not alienate existing financial backers.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Football is the largest spectator sport in KSA and the SPL boasts an impressive average stadium capacity of 33,273 (falling just short of the English Premier League’s 37,644). Given that the average SPL attendance in the 2017/18 season was only 5,726, there is spare capacity into which the SPL fan base can grow. As alluded to above, fan engagement with SPL and attendances are expected to receive a significant boost from the progressive societal reforms taking place in KSA generally.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Fan engagement is also expected to receive a boost due to the new broadcast deal with STC, which ensures that all SPL games will be free-to-air across the MENA region. International broadcast penetration of the SPL has also hitherto been limited, with only about 5% of MBC Pro Sports (the outgoing SPL broadcast rights-holder) subscriptions coming from outside Saudi Arabia. The new rights deal should ensure that SPL viewership increases many-fold.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">In addition, KSA has one of the most digitally engaged populations in the world. Mobile phone penetration is extremely high (estimated at 180 subscriptions per 100 residents), it has the highest per capita rate of YouTube use of any country in the world (according to a 2015 BBC study) and its residents use social media for an average of five hours per day (according to a 2016 YouGov study). Potential football fans are therefore increasingly accessible and SPL clubs are increasingly looking to engage with their already very large digital fan-bases.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong>Potential Challenges</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">After positive reports in early 2017, specific details about the procedural steps for transforming clubs into corporate entities and subsequently formalising the process of private investment, including timelines, applicable regulations and execution documentation have still not been confirmed as of the date of this article’s publication. For example, it is not yet known whether a specific corporate entity will be required to hold the assets, or what form and scope a designated long-term regulator may take and what its part in the privatisation process will be. Anecdotal reports suggest that for the purposes of investment, every club will have two components: assets and real estate; and that a given privatisation need not necessarily include an obligation to purchase the club’s real estate. This would provide some welcome flexibility to investors in considering various business plans and strategies to optimise growth and development in years to come.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong>Comment</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Subject to effective implementation and the absence of significant market distortion factors, the privatisation of sports clubs can be beneficial in terms of providing both access to capital for short-term investment in stadia, training facilities and playing squads, and also in establishing the necessary business framework to nurture talent and encourage the best practices in club management. Indeed the prospect of attracting owners who are incentivised to bring the best and brightest management teams to drive commercial success could bode well in terms of growing match-day revenues with stadium development and an increased ability to compete for domestic and foreign players.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Given the issues outlined above, the 2020 target date for all SPL clubs to be privatised does seem ambitious, as some commentators have noted; however the KSA government is clearly committed to the project. Indeed, it has become a central pillar in the delivery plan for Vision 2030 and the political capital staked on the project being a success should help drive it forward.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">As touched upon in this article, a number of unknowns remain. For example, the size of the Sports Development Fund earmarked for assisting with this process and the precise details of planned allocations are not officially available at present but the establishment of the fund does suggest an understanding and appreciation that there will be certain costs involved in helping even the top clubs achieve immediate sustainability.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Further afield, the privatisation of SPL clubs has prompted reports that Saudi investors are considering investment into British clubs in order to link them with newly privatised SPL clubs. Ironically, and subject to particular investment dynamics, this could mean that the sovereign wealth fund created by the wider KSA privatisation program may indirectly lead to Saudi investment in European clubs, which we are already starting to see (e.g., Sheffield United), in much the same way that middle-eastern investors have acquired Premier League and Ligue 1 clubs.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">It is likely that the SPL would benefit significantly from such tie-ups, as they would bring to the table a wealth of on-field and off-field technical expertise, as well as opportunities to share playing talent and synchronise commercial objectives. In addition to the ancillary benefits of such direct foreign investment, Saudi interests have also been linked with proposals to reconceive the Club World Cup. With greater influence in top leagues and competitions abroad and a roadmap to stabilize and grow the domestic league, the future for the KSA football industry has never looked brighter.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><em><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8025\" src=\"http://www.tamimi.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/shutterstock_1051299398.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"5999\" height=\"2678\" />NB: This article was first published on 15 June 2018 on lawinsport.com</em></p>\r\n<em>Steve leads Al Tamimi &amp; Company’s Sports and Events Management practice. For further information, please contact Steve Bainbridge (s.bainbridge@tamimi.com).</em>'),
(267846, 25896, 'MetaLink', 'content'),
(267847, 25896, 'EditorLinkPost', 'https://www.tamimi.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=7951&amp;action=edit');
INSERT INTO `tm_wsal_metadata` (`id`, `occurrence_id`, `name`, `value`) VALUES
(267848, 25896, 'ReportText', '<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8028\" src=\"http://www.tamimi.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/shutterstock_791480302.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"6400\" height=\"2008\" />Progress towards privatising the top 14 professional football clubs in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (\"KSA\") continues apace in light of a string of recent developments.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong>Background</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Presently KSA sporting clubs, including clubs competing in the Saudi Professional League (\"SPL\"), are government-owned. This status quo stems from an historic objective to centralise the growth and development of socially-desirable sporting initiatives across KSA sports, including those which may not enjoy the commercial appeal and sustainability of football.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">The push towards privatisation of SPL clubs started in earnest in April 2016 with the unveiling of the Saudi Vision 2030 plan (\"Vision 2030\"), which aims to diversify KSA’s economy and reduce its dependence on oil revenues. Vision 2030 crystallised the government’s long-standing position, advanced most recently by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammad bin Salman that the privatisation of certain state-owned assets can and should play a significant role in economic and social development. The plan expressly promotes social goals including increasing physical and sporting activities, as well as the creation of new public-private partnerships (\"PPPs\") to establish dedicated sporting facilities and programmes, a general reduction in costs and increased efficiency.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">The unveiling of Vision 2030 prompted a number of developments. In May 2016, the General Presidency of Youth Welfare was rebranded as the General Authority for Sports (\"GAS\") and given greater responsibilities for developing sports clubs and facilities. This was followed in June 2016 by the launch of the National Transformation Program 2020, a framework for the implementation of Vision 2030. Shortly thereafter in July 2016, the GAS and the Ministry of Commence and Investment launched a campaign to increase awareness amongst KSA football clubs and other interested parties regarding, inter alia, the need to register trademarks and otherwise protect their IP.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">In November 2016, the Council of Ministers approved the Council for Economic Development Affairs’ (\"CEDA\") recommendations to:</p>\r\n\r\n<ol>\r\n 	<li dir=\"LTR\">privatise SPL clubs as new corporate entities;</li>\r\n 	<li dir=\"LTR\">give the GAS responsibility for granting licences to such entities;</li>\r\n 	<li dir=\"LTR\">create a Sports Development Fund to finance new stadiums and facilities for clubs; and</li>\r\n 	<li dir=\"LTR\">create a supervisory committee (headed by the Chairman of the GAS and with representatives of the SPL and Saudi Arabian Football Federation (\"SAFF\")) to oversee the transfer of operational and financial control from government hands to the private sector.</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Specific goals for the privatisation process were also set, including elevating the quality and status of the SPL and positioning it to diversify revenues and make a greater contribution to the national economy. All of these steps indicate that a serious review of factors relevant to the privatisation process has been undertaken, underlining the KSA government’s commitment to the project.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong>Recent Developments</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">A number of recent developments impact, either directly or indirectly, upon the plans to privatise SPL clubs and the potential of a privatised KSA football industry:</p>\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n 	<li dir=\"LTR\">In February 2017, Jadwa Investment, one of KSA’s largest privately-owned investment banks, was appointed to advise on the privatisation of up to five SPL clubs, following a competitive tender exercise;</li>\r\n 	<li dir=\"LTR\">In January 2018, the KSA government lifted the ban on women attending football games and in doing so opened up a large and hitherto un-tapped commercial market for the SPL;</li>\r\n 	<li dir=\"LTR\">In February 2018, SAFF announced a new 10 year broadcasting deal with Saudi Telecommunications Company (\"STC\", which is 70% owned by the KSA Public Investment Fund) from season 2018/19 worth $1.76 billion. This deal is reportedly an increase of 61% from the previous deal with MBC and ensures that all SPL games are free-to-air across the MENA region; and</li>\r\n 	<li dir=\"LTR\">In April 2018, CEDA approved a ‘Privatisation Program’ for the creation of, inter alia, the legal and regulatory basis for the privatisation process. The Privatisation Program document confirms that the privatisation of SPL clubs is a core component of the initial tranche of projects due to be finalised by 2020.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">These recent developments demonstrate a number of important points. Firstly, that the KSA government remains committed to keeping up the momentum towards the privatisation of SPL clubs. Secondly, that the privatisation of SPL clubs has become a bellwether project to showcase KSA’s progressive economic and social reforms, with the expectation that the SPL will become a powerful marketing tool for KSA to attract international brands and investors. And thirdly, that the KSA government is committed to grow and develop the KSA football industry in general.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong>The Structural Potential of KSA Football</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Football is the preeminent sport in Saudi Arabia. The national team is one of the most successful in Asia, winning the AFC Asian Cup three times (and reaching the final on three further occasions) since 1984, as well as qualifying for the FIFA World Cup on five occasions, including Russia 2018. Domestically, Al-Hilal FC and Al-Nassr FC are considered to be the amongst the leading football clubs in Asia, having won numerous Asian Club Championship, AFC Champions League and Arab Club Championship titles.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">KSA football clubs tend to rely on a combination of traditional revenue streams (broadcast, commercial and match-day) and contributions from wealthy groups and individuals affiliated, formally or informally, with clubs. The hope is that privatisation will significantly increase traditional revenue streams without impacting investment from wealthy groups and individuals. As touched upon further below, this may require some delicate handling to ensure that the best aspects of modern corporate governance and management structures do not alienate existing financial backers.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Football is the largest spectator sport in KSA and the SPL boasts an impressive average stadium capacity of 33,273 (falling just short of the English Premier League’s 37,644). Given that the average SPL attendance in the 2017/18 season was only 5,726, there is spare capacity into which the SPL fan base can grow. As alluded to above, fan engagement with SPL and attendances are expected to receive a significant boost from the progressive societal reforms taking place in KSA generally.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Fan engagement is also expected to receive a boost due to the new broadcast deal with STC, which ensures that all SPL games will be free-to-air across the MENA region. International broadcast penetration of the SPL has also hitherto been limited, with only about 5% of MBC Pro Sports (the outgoing SPL broadcast rights-holder) subscriptions coming from outside Saudi Arabia. The new rights deal should ensure that SPL viewership increases many-fold.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">In addition, KSA has one of the most digitally engaged populations in the world. Mobile phone penetration is extremely high (estimated at 180 subscriptions per 100 residents), it has the highest per capita rate of YouTube use of any country in the world (according to a 2015 BBC study) and its residents use social media for an average of five hours per day (according to a 2016 YouGov study). Potential football fans are therefore increasingly accessible and SPL clubs are increasingly looking to engage with their already very large digital fan-bases.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong>Potential Challenges</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">After positive reports in early 2017, specific details about the procedural steps for transforming clubs into corporate entities and subsequently formalising the process of private investment, including timelines, applicable regulations and execution documentation have still not been confirmed as of the date of this article’s publication. For example, it is not yet known whether a specific corporate entity will be required to hold the assets, or what form and scope a designated long-term regulator may take and what its part in the privatisation process will be. Anecdotal reports suggest that for the purposes of investment, every club will have two components: assets and real estate; and that a given privatisation need not necessarily include an obligation to purchase the club’s real estate. This would provide some welcome flexibility to investors in considering various business plans and strategies to optimise growth and development in years to come.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong>Comment</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Subject to effective implementation and the absence of significant market distortion factors, the privatisation of sports clubs can be beneficial in terms of providing both access to capital for short-term investment in stadia, training facilities and playing squads, and also in establishing the necessary business framework to nurture talent and encourage the best practices in club management. Indeed the prospect of attracting owners who are incentivised to bring the best and brightest management teams to drive commercial success could bode well in terms of growing match-day revenues with stadium development and an increased ability to compete for domestic and foreign players.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Given the issues outlined above, the 2020 target date for all SPL clubs to be privatised does seem ambitious, as some commentators have noted; however the KSA government is clearly committed to the project. Indeed, it has become a central pillar in the delivery plan for Vision 2030 and the political capital staked on the project being a success should help drive it forward.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">As touched upon in this article, a number of unknowns remain. For example, the size of the Sports Development Fund earmarked for assisting with this process and the precise details of planned allocations are not officially available at present but the establishment of the fund does suggest an understanding and appreciation that there will be certain costs involved in helping even the top clubs achieve immediate sustainability.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Further afield, the privatisation of SPL clubs has prompted reports that Saudi investors are considering investment into British clubs in order to link them with newly privatised SPL clubs. Ironically, and subject to particular investment dynamics, this could mean that the sovereign wealth fund created by the wider KSA privatisation program may indirectly lead to Saudi investment in European clubs, which we are already starting to see (e.g., Sheffield United), in much the same way that middle-eastern investors have acquired Premier League and Ligue 1 clubs.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">It is likely that the SPL would benefit significantly from such tie-ups, as they would bring to the table a wealth of on-field and off-field technical expertise, as well as opportunities to share playing talent and synchronise commercial objectives. In addition to the ancillary benefits of such direct foreign investment, Saudi interests have also been linked with proposals to reconceive the Club World Cup. With greater influence in top leagues and competitions abroad and a roadmap to stabilize and grow the domestic league, the future for the KSA football industry has never looked brighter.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><em><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8025\" src=\"http://www.tamimi.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/shutterstock_1051299398.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"5999\" height=\"2678\" />NB: This article was first published on 15 June 2018 on lawinsport.com</em></p>\r\n<em>Steve leads Al Tamimi &amp; Company’s Sports and Events Management practice. For further information, please contact Steve Bainbridge (s.bainbridge@tamimi.com).</em>|<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8028\" src=\"http://www.tamimi.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/shutterstock_791480302.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"6400\" height=\"2008\" /></p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Progress towards privatising the top 14 professional football clubs in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (\"KSA\") continues apace in light of a string of recent developments.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong>Background</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Presently KSA sporting clubs, including clubs competing in the Saudi Professional League (\"SPL\"), are government-owned. This status quo stems from an historic objective to centralise the growth and development of socially-desirable sporting initiatives across KSA sports, including those which may not enjoy the commercial appeal and sustainability of football.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">The push towards privatisation of SPL clubs started in earnest in April 2016 with the unveiling of the Saudi Vision 2030 plan (\"Vision 2030\"), which aims to diversify KSA’s economy and reduce its dependence on oil revenues. Vision 2030 crystallised the government’s long-standing position, advanced most recently by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammad bin Salman that the privatisation of certain state-owned assets can and should play a significant role in economic and social development. The plan expressly promotes social goals including increasing physical and sporting activities, as well as the creation of new public-private partnerships (\"PPPs\") to establish dedicated sporting facilities and programmes, a general reduction in costs and increased efficiency.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">The unveiling of Vision 2030 prompted a number of developments. In May 2016, the General Presidency of Youth Welfare was rebranded as the General Authority for Sports (\"GAS\") and given greater responsibilities for developing sports clubs and facilities. This was followed in June 2016 by the launch of the National Transformation Program 2020, a framework for the implementation of Vision 2030. Shortly thereafter in July 2016, the GAS and the Ministry of Commence and Investment launched a campaign to increase awareness amongst KSA football clubs and other interested parties regarding, inter alia, the need to register trademarks and otherwise protect their IP.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">In November 2016, the Council of Ministers approved the Council for Economic Development Affairs’ (\"CEDA\") recommendations to:</p>\r\n\r\n<ol>\r\n 	<li dir=\"LTR\">privatise SPL clubs as new corporate entities;</li>\r\n 	<li dir=\"LTR\">give the GAS responsibility for granting licences to such entities;</li>\r\n 	<li dir=\"LTR\">create a Sports Development Fund to finance new stadiums and facilities for clubs; and</li>\r\n 	<li dir=\"LTR\">create a supervisory committee (headed by the Chairman of the GAS and with representatives of the SPL and Saudi Arabian Football Federation (\"SAFF\")) to oversee the transfer of operational and financial control from government hands to the private sector.</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Specific goals for the privatisation process were also set, including elevating the quality and status of the SPL and positioning it to diversify revenues and make a greater contribution to the national economy. All of these steps indicate that a serious review of factors relevant to the privatisation process has been undertaken, underlining the KSA government’s commitment to the project.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong>Recent Developments</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">A number of recent developments impact, either directly or indirectly, upon the plans to privatise SPL clubs and the potential of a privatised KSA football industry:</p>\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n 	<li dir=\"LTR\">In February 2017, Jadwa Investment, one of KSA’s largest privately-owned investment banks, was appointed to advise on the privatisation of up to five SPL clubs, following a competitive tender exercise;</li>\r\n 	<li dir=\"LTR\">In January 2018, the KSA government lifted the ban on women attending football games and in doing so opened up a large and hitherto un-tapped commercial market for the SPL;</li>\r\n 	<li dir=\"LTR\">In February 2018, SAFF announced a new 10 year broadcasting deal with Saudi Telecommunications Company (\"STC\", which is 70% owned by the KSA Public Investment Fund) from season 2018/19 worth $1.76 billion. This deal is reportedly an increase of 61% from the previous deal with MBC and ensures that all SPL games are free-to-air across the MENA region; and</li>\r\n 	<li dir=\"LTR\">In April 2018, CEDA approved a ‘Privatisation Program’ for the creation of, inter alia, the legal and regulatory basis for the privatisation process. The Privatisation Program document confirms that the privatisation of SPL clubs is a core component of the initial tranche of projects due to be finalised by 2020.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">These recent developments demonstrate a number of important points. Firstly, that the KSA government remains committed to keeping up the momentum towards the privatisation of SPL clubs. Secondly, that the privatisation of SPL clubs has become a bellwether project to showcase KSA’s progressive economic and social reforms, with the expectation that the SPL will become a powerful marketing tool for KSA to attract international brands and investors. And thirdly, that the KSA government is committed to grow and develop the KSA football industry in general.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong>The Structural Potential of KSA Football</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Football is the preeminent sport in Saudi Arabia. The national team is one of the most successful in Asia, winning the AFC Asian Cup three times (and reaching the final on three further occasions) since 1984, as well as qualifying for the FIFA World Cup on five occasions, including Russia 2018. Domestically, Al-Hilal FC and Al-Nassr FC are considered to be the amongst the leading football clubs in Asia, having won numerous Asian Club Championship, AFC Champions League and Arab Club Championship titles.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">KSA football clubs tend to rely on a combination of traditional revenue streams (broadcast, commercial and match-day) and contributions from wealthy groups and individuals affiliated, formally or informally, with clubs. The hope is that privatisation will significantly increase traditional revenue streams without impacting investment from wealthy groups and individuals. As touched upon further below, this may require some delicate handling to ensure that the best aspects of modern corporate governance and management structures do not alienate existing financial backers.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Football is the largest spectator sport in KSA and the SPL boasts an impressive average stadium capacity of 33,273 (falling just short of the English Premier League’s 37,644). Given that the average SPL attendance in the 2017/18 season was only 5,726, there is spare capacity into which the SPL fan base can grow. As alluded to above, fan engagement with SPL and attendances are expected to receive a significant boost from the progressive societal reforms taking place in KSA generally.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Fan engagement is also expected to receive a boost due to the new broadcast deal with STC, which ensures that all SPL games will be free-to-air across the MENA region. International broadcast penetration of the SPL has also hitherto been limited, with only about 5% of MBC Pro Sports (the outgoing SPL broadcast rights-holder) subscriptions coming from outside Saudi Arabia. The new rights deal should ensure that SPL viewership increases many-fold.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">In addition, KSA has one of the most digitally engaged populations in the world. Mobile phone penetration is extremely high (estimated at 180 subscriptions per 100 residents), it has the highest per capita rate of YouTube use of any country in the world (according to a 2015 BBC study) and its residents use social media for an average of five hours per day (according to a 2016 YouGov study). Potential football fans are therefore increasingly accessible and SPL clubs are increasingly looking to engage with their already very large digital fan-bases.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong>Potential Challenges</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">After positive reports in early 2017, specific details about the procedural steps for transforming clubs into corporate entities and subsequently formalising the process of private investment, including timelines, applicable regulations and execution documentation have still not been confirmed as of the date of this article’s publication. For example, it is not yet known whether a specific corporate entity will be required to hold the assets, or what form and scope a designated long-term regulator may take and what its part in the privatisation process will be. Anecdotal reports suggest that for the purposes of investment, every club will have two components: assets and real estate; and that a given privatisation need not necessarily include an obligation to purchase the club’s real estate. This would provide some welcome flexibility to investors in considering various business plans and strategies to optimise growth and development in years to come.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong>Comment</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Subject to effective implementation and the absence of significant market distortion factors, the privatisation of sports clubs can be beneficial in terms of providing both access to capital for short-term investment in stadia, training facilities and playing squads, and also in establishing the necessary business framework to nurture talent and encourage the best practices in club management. Indeed the prospect of attracting owners who are incentivised to bring the best and brightest management teams to drive commercial success could bode well in terms of growing match-day revenues with stadium development and an increased ability to compete for domestic and foreign players.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Given the issues outlined above, the 2020 target date for all SPL clubs to be privatised does seem ambitious, as some commentators have noted; however the KSA government is clearly committed to the project. Indeed, it has become a central pillar in the delivery plan for Vision 2030 and the political capital staked on the project being a success should help drive it forward.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">As touched upon in this article, a number of unknowns remain. For example, the size of the Sports Development Fund earmarked for assisting with this process and the precise details of planned allocations are not officially available at present but the establishment of the fund does suggest an understanding and appreciation that there will be certain costs involved in helping even the top clubs achieve immediate sustainability.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Further afield, the privatisation of SPL clubs has prompted reports that Saudi investors are considering investment into British clubs in order to link them with newly privatised SPL clubs. Ironically, and subject to particular investment dynamics, this could mean that the sovereign wealth fund created by the wider KSA privatisation program may indirectly lead to Saudi investment in European clubs, which we are already starting to see (e.g., Sheffield United), in much the same way that middle-eastern investors have acquired Premier League and Ligue 1 clubs.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">It is likely that the SPL would benefit significantly from such tie-ups, as they would bring to the table a wealth of on-field and off-field technical expertise, as well as opportunities to share playing talent and synchronise commercial objectives. In addition to the ancillary benefits of such direct foreign investment, Saudi interests have also been linked with proposals to reconceive the Club World Cup. With greater influence in top leagues and competitions abroad and a roadmap to stabilize and grow the domestic league, the future for the KSA football industry has never looked brighter.</p>\r\n&nbsp;<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><em><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8025\" src=\"http://www.tamimi.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/shutterstock_1051299398.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"5999\" height=\"2678\" /></p>\r\n&nbsp;<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">NB: This article was first published on 15 June 2018 on lawinsport.com</em></p>\r\n<em>Steve leads Al Tamimi &amp; Company’s Sports and Events Management practice. For further information, please contact Steve Bainbridge (s.bainbridge@tamimi.com).</em>'),
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(267893, 25901, 'PostID', '7951'),
(267894, 25901, 'PostTitle', 'The Privatisation of Saudi Arabia’s Football Clubs: An Update'),
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(267896, 25901, 'PostType', 'law_update_articles'),
(267897, 25901, 'PostDate', '2018-08-01 07:37:10'),
(267898, 25901, 'PostUrl', 'http://www.tamimi.com/law-update-articles/the-privatisation-of-saudi-arabias-football-clubs-an-update/'),
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(267901, 25901, 'MetaValueNew', '<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8028\" src=\"http://www.tamimi.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/shutterstock_791480302.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"6400\" height=\"2008\" /></p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Progress towards privatising the top 14 professional football clubs in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (\"KSA\") continues apace in light of a string of recent developments.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong>Background</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Presently KSA sporting clubs, including clubs competing in the Saudi Professional League (\"SPL\"), are government-owned. This status quo stems from an historic objective to centralise the growth and development of socially-desirable sporting initiatives across KSA sports, including those which may not enjoy the commercial appeal and sustainability of football.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">The push towards privatisation of SPL clubs started in earnest in April 2016 with the unveiling of the Saudi Vision 2030 plan (\"Vision 2030\"), which aims to diversify KSA’s economy and reduce its dependence on oil revenues. Vision 2030 crystallised the government’s long-standing position, advanced most recently by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammad bin Salman that the privatisation of certain state-owned assets can and should play a significant role in economic and social development. The plan expressly promotes social goals including increasing physical and sporting activities, as well as the creation of new public-private partnerships (\"PPPs\") to establish dedicated sporting facilities and programmes, a general reduction in costs and increased efficiency.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">The unveiling of Vision 2030 prompted a number of developments. In May 2016, the General Presidency of Youth Welfare was rebranded as the General Authority for Sports (\"GAS\") and given greater responsibilities for developing sports clubs and facilities. This was followed in June 2016 by the launch of the National Transformation Program 2020, a framework for the implementation of Vision 2030. Shortly thereafter in July 2016, the GAS and the Ministry of Commence and Investment launched a campaign to increase awareness amongst KSA football clubs and other interested parties regarding, inter alia, the need to register trademarks and otherwise protect their IP.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">In November 2016, the Council of Ministers approved the Council for Economic Development Affairs’ (\"CEDA\") recommendations to:</p>\r\n\r\n<ol>\r\n 	<li dir=\"LTR\">privatise SPL clubs as new corporate entities;</li>\r\n 	<li dir=\"LTR\">give the GAS responsibility for granting licences to such entities;</li>\r\n 	<li dir=\"LTR\">create a Sports Development Fund to finance new stadiums and facilities for clubs; and</li>\r\n 	<li dir=\"LTR\">create a supervisory committee (headed by the Chairman of the GAS and with representatives of the SPL and Saudi Arabian Football Federation (\"SAFF\")) to oversee the transfer of operational and financial control from government hands to the private sector.</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Specific goals for the privatisation process were also set, including elevating the quality and status of the SPL and positioning it to diversify revenues and make a greater contribution to the national economy. All of these steps indicate that a serious review of factors relevant to the privatisation process has been undertaken, underlining the KSA government’s commitment to the project.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong>Recent Developments</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">A number of recent developments impact, either directly or indirectly, upon the plans to privatise SPL clubs and the potential of a privatised KSA football industry:</p>\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n 	<li dir=\"LTR\">In February 2017, Jadwa Investment, one of KSA’s largest privately-owned investment banks, was appointed to advise on the privatisation of up to five SPL clubs, following a competitive tender exercise;</li>\r\n 	<li dir=\"LTR\">In January 2018, the KSA government lifted the ban on women attending football games and in doing so opened up a large and hitherto un-tapped commercial market for the SPL;</li>\r\n 	<li dir=\"LTR\">In February 2018, SAFF announced a new 10 year broadcasting deal with Saudi Telecommunications Company (\"STC\", which is 70% owned by the KSA Public Investment Fund) from season 2018/19 worth $1.76 billion. This deal is reportedly an increase of 61% from the previous deal with MBC and ensures that all SPL games are free-to-air across the MENA region; and</li>\r\n 	<li dir=\"LTR\">In April 2018, CEDA approved a ‘Privatisation Program’ for the creation of, inter alia, the legal and regulatory basis for the privatisation process. The Privatisation Program document confirms that the privatisation of SPL clubs is a core component of the initial tranche of projects due to be finalised by 2020.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">These recent developments demonstrate a number of important points. Firstly, that the KSA government remains committed to keeping up the momentum towards the privatisation of SPL clubs. Secondly, that the privatisation of SPL clubs has become a bellwether project to showcase KSA’s progressive economic and social reforms, with the expectation that the SPL will become a powerful marketing tool for KSA to attract international brands and investors. And thirdly, that the KSA government is committed to grow and develop the KSA football industry in general.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong><img class=\"size-large wp-image-8094 alignright\" src=\"http://www.tamimi.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/wp2435812-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" />The Structural Potential of KSA Football</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Football is the preeminent sport in Saudi Arabia. The national team is one of the most successful in Asia, winning the AFC Asian Cup three times (and reaching the final on three further occasions) since 1984, as well as qualifying for the FIFA World Cup on five occasions, including Russia 2018. Domestically, Al-Hilal FC and Al-Nassr FC are considered to be the amongst the leading football clubs in Asia, having won numerous Asian Club Championship, AFC Champions League and Arab Club Championship titles.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">KSA football clubs tend to rely on a combination of traditional revenue streams (broadcast, commercial and match-day) and contributions from wealthy groups and individuals affiliated, formally or informally, with clubs. The hope is that privatisation will significantly increase traditional revenue streams without impacting investment from wealthy groups and individuals. As touched upon further below, this may require some delicate handling to ensure that the best aspects of modern corporate governance and management structures do not alienate existing financial backers.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Football is the largest spectator sport in KSA and the SPL boasts an impressive average stadium capacity of 33,273 (falling just short of the English Premier League’s 37,644). Given that the average SPL attendance in the 2017/18 season was only 5,726, there is spare capacity into which the SPL fan base can grow. As alluded to above, fan engagement with SPL and attendances are expected to receive a significant boost from the progressive societal reforms taking place in KSA generally.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Fan engagement is also expected to receive a boost due to the new broadcast deal with STC, which ensures that all SPL games will be free-to-air across the MENA region. International broadcast penetration of the SPL has also hitherto been limited, with only about 5% of MBC Pro Sports (the outgoing SPL broadcast rights-holder) subscriptions coming from outside Saudi Arabia. The new rights deal should ensure that SPL viewership increases many-fold.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">In addition, KSA has one of the most digitally engaged populations in the world. Mobile phone penetration is extremely high (estimated at 180 subscriptions per 100 residents), it has the highest per capita rate of YouTube use of any country in the world (according to a 2015 BBC study) and its residents use social media for an average of five hours per day (according to a 2016 YouGov study). Potential football fans are therefore increasingly accessible and SPL clubs are increasingly looking to engage with their already very large digital fan-bases.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong>Potential Challenges</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">After positive reports in early 2017, specific details about the procedural steps for transforming clubs into corporate entities and subsequently formalising the process of private investment, including timelines, applicable regulations and execution documentation have still not been confirmed as of the date of this article’s publication. For example, it is not yet known whether a specific corporate entity will be required to hold the assets, or what form and scope a designated long-term regulator may take and what its part in the privatisation process will be. Anecdotal reports suggest that for the purposes of investment, every club will have two components: assets and real estate; and that a given privatisation need not necessarily include an obligation to purchase the club’s real estate. This would provide some welcome flexibility to investors in considering various business plans and strategies to optimise growth and development in years to come.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><strong>Comment</strong></p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Subject to effective implementation and the absence of significant market distortion factors, the privatisation of sports clubs can be beneficial in terms of providing both access to capital for short-term investment in stadia, training facilities and playing squads, and also in establishing the necessary business framework to nurture talent and encourage the best practices in club management. Indeed the prospect of attracting owners who are incentivised to bring the best and brightest management teams to drive commercial success could bode well in terms of growing match-day revenues with stadium development and an increased ability to compete for domestic and foreign players.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Given the issues outlined above, the 2020 target date for all SPL clubs to be privatised does seem ambitious, as some commentators have noted; however the KSA government is clearly committed to the project. Indeed, it has become a central pillar in the delivery plan for Vision 2030 and the political capital staked on the project being a success should help drive it forward.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">As touched upon in this article, a number of unknowns remain. For example, the size of the Sports Development Fund earmarked for assisting with this process and the precise details of planned allocations are not officially available at present but the establishment of the fund does suggest an understanding and appreciation that there will be certain costs involved in helping even the top clubs achieve immediate sustainability.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">Further afield, the privatisation of SPL clubs has prompted reports that Saudi investors are considering investment into British clubs in order to link them with newly privatised SPL clubs. Ironically, and subject to particular investment dynamics, this could mean that the sovereign wealth fund created by the wider KSA privatisation program may indirectly lead to Saudi investment in European clubs, which we are already starting to see (e.g., Sheffield United), in much the same way that middle-eastern investors have acquired Premier League and Ligue 1 clubs.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">It is likely that the SPL would benefit significantly from such tie-ups, as they would bring to the table a wealth of on-field and off-field technical expertise, as well as opportunities to share playing talent and synchronise commercial objectives. In addition to the ancillary benefits of such direct foreign investment, Saudi interests have also been linked with proposals to reconceive the Club World Cup. With greater influence in top leagues and competitions abroad and a roadmap to stabilize and grow the domestic league, the future for the KSA football industry has never looked brighter.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\"><em><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8025\" src=\"http://www.tamimi.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/shutterstock_1051299398.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"5999\" height=\"2678\" /></em></p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p dir=\"LTR\" align=\"LEFT\">NB: This article was first published on 15 June 2018 on lawinsport.com</p>\r\n<em>Steve leads Al Tamimi &amp; Company’s Sports and Events Management practice. For further information, please contact Steve Bainbridge (s.bainbridge@tamimi.com).</em>');
