Qatari local explains why fans took photo of ex Miss Croatia in stadium

A Qatari entrepreneur claims locals were taking photos of ex Miss Croatia as she walked past in the stadium.

A photo of Qatari men with their phones out as Ivana Knoll made her way to her seat for Croatia's 0-0 draw with Morocco at the Al Bayt Stadium went viral on social media.

Knoll, dubbed the World Cup's sexiest fan, was wearing a bikini top in red and white cheques for Croatia's colours and tight red leggings.

The 30-year-old took to Instagram to upload the snap in celebration of gaining one million followers on Instagram.

But while many thought the locals wear caught in the act, Mohammed Hassan Al-Jefairi says they were only taking pictures to disapprove of her outfit.

"Just for your info they take a photo not because they like her but because they don't like the way she is mis-dressed on regards to our culture," he wrote on Twitter in response to @TrollFootball.

"You can confirm this with any local Qatari Probably to report it."

It should be noted that not many were in agreement with Al-Jefairi's reasoning.

World Cup organisers Qatar, who have been widely criticised, had said before the tournament that travelling fans “show respect for local culture.”

The country's tourism authority had also warned that clothing for both men and women must cover their shoulders and knees.

Knoll has not actually been sticking to that and sparked controversy with a number of her outfits.

She has admitted to being “shocked” to learn about the dress code and what it forbids in the country.

"First I was thinking if the World Cup is happening there, they for sure will allow everything to make it comfortable for all fans without any of their restrictions,” she said.

“Then I heard about the rules and I was shocked. In the dress code, you’re forbidden from showing your shoulders, knees, belly and neck.

“I was like, ‘OMG, I don’t even have clothes covering that all.’”