FIFA president Gianni Infantino stated at the World Economic Forum in Davos that no British fan was arrested during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. He described this as "something really, really special". However, Chief Constable Mark Roberts, the UK's football policing lead, called the comment "neither helpful or accurate".
Roberts confirmed no English or Welsh fans were arrested in Qatar. He noted that only three England fans faced arrest for minor offences at the 2018 World Cup in Russia. Furthermore, the 2014 Brazil tournament saw 15 arrests, with seven of these being touts, and seven arrests occurred in South Africa in 2010.
Chief Constable Roberts emphasised that "British fans behaving at World Cups is the norm, not something special". He added that only 25 Home Nations fans were apprehended across the last four men's World Cups.
