Liverpool warn fans travelling to Qatar for the Club World Cup about local laws

Liverpool have strongly advised fans travelling to Qatar for next month's Club World Cup to familiarise themselves with local laws and customs prior to their trip.

Jurgen Klopp's side enter the Club World Cup in Doha at the semi-final stage after winning the Champions League last season.

Liverpool will be in Qatar representing Europe from December 11 to 21 and play their first match of the tournament on December 18.

Qatar is governed by Islamic-based legal codes and Liverpool released a statement on Monday warning travelling fans that some acceptable behaviours in the UK might be considered offensive in Doha.

Information regarding dress code, public display of intimacy and the consumption of alcohol were all included in the statement.

Women supporters have been advised to bring appropriate clothing - such as tops and trousers that will cover their knees and shoulders.

Public affection is also not part of the Qatari culture and Liverpool have stressed that failure to respect the local customs could result in arrests.

Sexual relations outside of marriage are not permitted in Qatar either, and as such, opposite-sex couples may be asked to provide marriage certificates when checking into their hotel.

Although alcohol is available at licensed restaurants and bars, it is considered an offence to drink alcohol or be drunk in public in Qatar, and the club have urged fans to be sensible.

Qatar also has its own laws in relation to the LGBT community but Liverpool chief executive Peter Moore says the club have been given assurances by Qatari authorities that their LGBT supporters will be welcomed in the Gulf state.

He said: 'We have received assurances that our LGBT supporters will be welcome in Qatar, something that was vitally important to us as a club, given our long-standing commitment to both diversity and equality.'

The Club World Cup is a trial event for the World Cup which will be held in Qatar in 2022.

Moore said that the club have held talks with authorities regarding numerous potential issues and is confident that there will be no problems.

He added: 'We have sought and received information on match tickets, hotel provisions, stadium readiness, safety issues, cultural matters and a whole host of other issues. No stone has been left unturned.'