FIFA bans sale of alcohol to fans in all World Cup Stadiums
The sale of alcohol to fans at World Cup stadiums in Qatar has been banned with just two days to go until the tournament kicks off.
Fans will no longer be able to buy Budweiser, which would have been the only alcoholic beverage available to fans inside the stadium perimeter due to its sponsorship of FIFA.
However, no one attending matches will now be able to consume alcohol in any part of the stadia, with the exception of corporate spectators in hospitality areas.
FIFA released a statement on Friday confirming the removal of sales points of beer from the stadium perimeters “following discussions between the host country authorities and FIFA”.
It is understood Qatar, as hosts, are concerned about the impact of alcohol sales on fans attending matches for whom drinking is not part of the culture – not just Qataris but people from other parts of the Middle East and Asia more widely.
Supporters will still be able to consume alcohol in designated fan zones.
Stadium perimeters
FIFA released a statement which read: “Following discussions between host country authorities and FIFA, a decision has been made to focus the sale of alcoholic beverages on the FIFA Fan Festival, other fan destinations and licensed venues, removing sales points of beer from Qatar’s FIFA World Cup 2022 stadium perimeters.
“There is no impact to the sale of Bud Zero which will remain available at all Qatar’s World Cup stadiums. Host country authorities and FIFA will continue to ensure that the stadiums and surrounding areas provide an enjoyable, respectful and pleasant experience for all fans.
“The tournament organisers appreciate AB InBev’s understanding and continuous support to our joint commitment to cater for everyone during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™️.”
However, a tweet from Budweiser’s official account read: “Well, this is awkward.”
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WITH ONE DAY TO GO, Qatar are at the last minute suddenly imposing their religiously justified “morality” on the World Cup. Ironically an incredibly bad faith move. They figure that nothing can stop the juggernaut now and are going back on agreements previously made. The world should take note that the Qatari government are untrustworthy business partners (as well as socially backwards and an oppressive regime). I’m not there and I don’t really drink. This is one of the less vile things I know about Qatar. Complaining about beer, what with all their far more serious brutal human rights abuses… Read more »
Laughing at how angry the English media are about this. The idea that alcohol is a right at a football is typical English imperialism and arrogance.
Qatar have their own laws and they should be respected, but the English have trouble with that. Just like they didn’t respect our lockdown laws. But this time they especially don’t like it because the English are racist and Qatari’s are Muslim.
I’m so glad Cymru has fully embraced our Qatari neighbours because we’re not racist like the English.
So Qatar agreeing to lots of conditions then changing their mind at the 11th hour because they know its too late to stop them is acceptable?
Cymru has denifnitely NOT embraced the Qatari government (“neighbours”?! Really?) there’s what 3000 miles between our nearest borders).
Yeah you’re not even Welsh are you? You’re just a troll.
Only a single flight between Cardiff to Doha. Close enough to be neighbours for me.
Shame you’ve fallen for the propaganda lies about this World Cup.
So criticising Qatar is racist is it? Not all English people are troublemakers. If they had a problem with alcohol being served in stadiums then they should never have agreed to it in the first place.
Most criticism of Qatar is racist and most English people are trouble makers. A nasty, imperial nation reflected in the attitudes of most of their people. They should have been banned from the World Cup.
We have, or have had, no alcohol on sale in stadiums here for internationals and club derby games so our fans will know what to do. Start at drinking point, into the match for 2 hours, straight back to drinking point. It will be just like playing at home.
Since Qatar volunteered to host the largest sporting event in the world, we have the right to be critical of their drinking laws.
The next World Cup will be in the USA where under 21s will be banned from consuming alcohol. I also think this is unfair, especially when an 18 year old can get drafted into the military and die for his country.