WORLD Cup bosses last night assured England fans they WON’T be ripped off when booking accommodation in Qatar.

Three Lions fans can begin planning their trips to the desert after England were drawn against the USA, Iran and either Wales, Scotland or Ukraine in Group B.

And with up to 5,000 extra tickets being made available for England fans via the FA , Qatar 2022 chief Nasser Al Khater insisted supporters travelling to the Middle East could avoid being charged eye-watering prices for hotels.

Al Khater, Chief Executive Officer of the Qatar 2022 organising committee, told SunSport: “We have always been committed to offering every fan who wants to come the opportunity to enjoy an affordable World Cup.

“We’ve learned from previous tournaments. We know there have been price hikes in previous tournaments to take advantage of the fans who have bought tickets.

"That’s something we have always been determined to avoid.

“I completely understand the concern when fans see these prices, but we will make this World Cup as affordable as possible for everyone.”

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One way that World Cup chiefs are hoping to do this is through the creation of an on-line accommodation portal – designed to centralise 80 per cent of the accommodation inventory available in Qatar during the tournament.

A range of different options – subsidised by the State of Qatar – are available, from traditional 2-5* hotel rooms, luxury cruise ships, serviced apartments and villas, and ‘glamping’ style desert camps. 

Fans can already book their accommodation – with apartments costing as little as £60 per night.

Luxury cruise ships – which offer fans a range of pubs, restaurants and leisure activities – can be booked from as little as £139 per night.

In 2019, World Cup bosses signed a deal with MSC Cruises to lease two cruise liners during the tournament and provide 4,000 cabins. 

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Then in October 2021, the SC signed an agreement with Europe’s largest hospitality operator, Accor, who will provide 10,000 staff to manage and operate more than one million nights across 60,000 apartments and villas during the tournament. 

Up to 130,000 rooms for the one million-plus fans expected over the course of the 28-day tournament – ensuring there are no concerns over a shortfall of accommodation.

Al Khater added: “It’s important that that fans visit our accommodation portal once they have booked their tickets. 

“There will be other ways for them to book their accommodation, but if they want the cheapest options, this is where they find them.”

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