FOOTBALL fans have been hiring £20,000 superyachts complete with helipads and Michelin-star chefs for the World Cup.
Hundreds of thousands of fans are expected to flock to the Gulf for the World Cup, which kicks off in Qatar on November 21.
But while many will be taking their chances on accommodation on dry land, others will be living in style on the sea.
Demand for the superyachts is said to be surging ahead of the tournament.
One of the vessels for hire is the 296ft Lauren L which can accommodate 26 guests in 20 suits or parties of up to 150.
After landing on its helipad, guests can entertain themselves in the on-board cinema, have a drink in the bar, relax in the deck jacuzzi or play with its jet skis.
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There’s also a beauty salon on board to restore footie fans to their best after watching the Three Lions.
Many will be heading to Dubai in the UAE and its biggest private yacht charter, Xclusive Yachts, has reported a surge in interest in hiring outs its fleet of 70 yachts.
“We expect lots and lots of inquiries and lots and lots of bookings as well,” said marketing manager Jainney Thakker.
“Personally I think when you talk about a game like football, it has a lot of emotional connect with all the people as well.
“And they’re really excited to watch their favourite players and favourite teams on the big screen and I think lots and lots of people are going to charter with us and we already have 15 bookings.”
At a cost of around £20,000 per night, customers can rent the 140ft, three-deck Stardom with and capacity for 30 guests.
If they want to push the boat out, they can also get exclusive use of a Michelin-starred chef on board.
Xclusive Yachts have also launched a shared service offer for groups of fans who want to experience a few hours on the boat to watch games.
Customer Zubin Doshn said the “the expectation is very simple”.
“I’m sure I will have a good time with my family and friends and watch the World Cup in the middle of the sea, with all the great services they have and of course drink champagne,” he said.
A million fans are expected to descend on the Yorkshire-sized oil-rich state.
Some England fans fans will be forced to pay at least £5,000 to follow the team to all the way to the World Cup final, it’s been claimed.
The Football Supporters’ Association has slammed the Qatar tournament as “the most expensive World Cup ever.
Qatar 2022 chiefs insist there will be plenty of Fan Village Cabins to be had and urge fans to avoid the private rental market.
But for those who need to rent, on offer is a cockroach-ridden £650-a-night hovel is among filthy rip-off flats on offer to England fans at the Qatar World Cup.
The flat, with its cracked walls, soiled mattress and at least five ’roaches in the kitchen, was next to a noisy building site in Doha.
Another Airbnb host, Riham, was offering digs in the capital with stained walls and lounge-kitchenette for £534 a night.
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Mohammad showed us snaps of his “lovely” three-room property near Khalifa Stadium — a World Cup ground — at £1,789-a-night.
They were among dozens of grubby homes advertised by landlords hoping to cash in as fans fear a looming Cup accommodation crisis.
