The Civil Aviation Authority is urging football fans to do their homework before booking last-minute trips to Qatar for the FIFA World Cup.

In new advice issued on its website, it told fans to make sure their bookings are ATOL-protected.

It said they should be on the lookout for fake deals or being ripped off by people falsely posing as reputable travel agents.

Also, trade union Unite is warning that a planned walkout by Heathrow workers for three days from 18 November could heavily disrupt Qatar Airways’ flights to Doha at the start of the tournament.

The FIFA World Cup will take place in Qatar from 20 November to 18 December.

Last month, the official England supporters’ travel club said it feared fewer fans than usual will travel to the tournament due to high prices and a lack of things to do in the Middle East state.

However, it said there could well be a last-minute rush if England reaches the later stages of the tournament.

The CAA reminded fans who are tempted to make a late dash to Qatar to check that a travel company is a legitimate ATOL-holder on its website before they book.

CAA Consumers and Markets Director Paul Smith :“Football fans need to know the score before booking to make sure they can enjoy the World Cup in Qatar. Nobody wants to score an own goal by not doing their research on their chosen travel firm and losing out as a result.

“Depending on how England and Wales progress some people might be tempted to make a last- minute booking to Qatar – hopefully football will be the winner with everyone enjoying a trouble-free trip.”

The CAA has also issued some other tips for football fans before they travel to Qatar including booking with a credit card, buying travel insurance, watching out for hidden costs such as baggage allowance and transfers and, if booking with a non-UK company, making sure they hold an ATOL and provide ‘appropriate’ financial protection.

The UK Government has also issued advice for anyone travelling to Qatar in November and December. including details of how to apply for a mandatory Hayya card, local laws and customs to be aware of and how to book accommodation.

More details can be found here: Qatar World Cup 2022 – Qatar travel advice – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Last month, it was revealed Prince William, the FA President, and UK PM Rishi Sunak are unlikely to attend the World Cup.