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Smiling Qatari fans were taking photos of Miss Croatia Ivana Knoll at the World Cup because they disapproved of her outfit, a high-profile local has claimed.
During Croatia’s opening match against Morocco, the model, labeled the World Cup’s hottest fan, appeared in a red and white bikini top and skintight red leggings, drawing the attention of many in the crowd.
A photo posted after the match showed smiling men in the stadium taking pictures of the 30-year-old model.
Mohammed Hassan Al-Jefairi, a prominent Qatari businessman who created a robot, claimed the men had taken photos of themselves because they disapproved of their outfit.
Smiling Qatari fans were seen taking photos of Miss Croatia Ivana Knoll, 30, during Croatia’s opening match against Morocco, but a high-profile businessman claimed the smiling men were shooting disapprovingly.
In her most recent Instagram post to celebrate gaining one million followers, she included a photo of a couple of men giving her quick glances in a red and white checkered bikini top and skinny red leggings and taking pictures of each other.
Taking to Twitter last night, he wrote in response to the image: ‘Just FYI they take a photo not because they like it, but because they don’t like the way she’s badly dressed in regards to our culture.
“You can confirm this with any local Qatari, probably to report it.”
Those visiting Qatar for the World Cup have been advised to cover their shoulders and avoid short skirts, with hefty fines and even jail terms for fans who decide to show off their figures.
People on Twitter, however, were not convinced by Al-Jefairi’s defense of the men caught on camera.
One wrote: ‘No offense sir, but your justification is funny. Their facial expressions, body language, and the way they hold the phone reveal their intentions quite clearly.
Mohammed Hassan Al-Jefairi (pictured), a prominent Qatari businessman who created a robot, claimed the men had been shooting at Knoll because they disapproved of his outfit.
Taking to Twitter last night, he wrote in response to the image: ‘Just FYI, they take a photo not because they like it, but because they don’t like the way she’s dressed according to our culture. You can confirm this with any Qatari local Probably to report it’
“You have to admit that Qatari men are not infallible, saying that as a Qatari by the way.”
Knoll had shared the image on his Instagram to celebrate winning a million and his fans were quick to point out the actions of the men in the photos.
One wrote: ‘That’s it, the guy is stuck. The wife is waiting at home with a hammer!
Another added: ‘Full support for Croatia.’
While most generally praised her post, some noted that the outfit did not fit Qatari customers and broke the country’s strict rules on World Cup attire.
Commenting on the possible culture shock, Knoll said: “First I was thinking if the World Cup will take place there (Qatar), for sure they will allow us everything to make it comfortable for all the fans without any of the restrictions.”
‘Then I heard about the rules and I was shocked. The dress code prohibits showing your shoulders, knees, tummy and everything and I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, I don’t even have the clothes to cover all of that.
“I was very angry because if I am not a Muslim and if in Europe we respect the hijab and the niqab, I think they should also respect our way of life, our religion and, in the end, I wear dresses, bikinis because I am a Catholic from Croatia who is here. for the World Cup.
Speaking about the potential culture shock over dress codes, Knoll said she was “shocked” by the rules. She added: “But when I arrived, I was surprised that they had no problem with dressing, they allow you to wear everything you want, except in government buildings, and in the end it’s fine.”
Several of Knoll’s posts last week also tagged FIFA, which has reiterated Qatar’s strict rules regarding dress.
He added: “But when I arrived, I was surprised that they had no problem with dressing, they allow you to wear everything you want, except in government buildings, and in the end it’s fine.”
Asked if she felt there was any risk of her being arrested, Knoll said: “I’m never scared of anything like that.”
It is not the first time that Knoll has received criticism for his choice of outfits.
In 2018 during the World Cup in Russia, the model once again made headlines for her clothing.
Croatia is set to play Japan on Monday, starting at 3pm GMT, as the country battles through the last 16.