Qatar Bans Sale Of Alcohol At FIFA World Cup Stadiums

Only two days before the opening game, Qatar abruptly changed tack on the deal it made to win the World Cup and banned the sale of beer in FIFA World Cup stadiums on Friday.

The action was the most recent indication of the stress around hosting the event in the conservative Muslim emirate, where the sale of alcohol is severely restricted. The event is not only a sports competition but also a month-long celebration. Additionally, it deals a serious setback to World Ain's tournament.

Budweiser, WheCup beer sponsor , was questioned along with FIFA's level of supervision. When Qatar announced its bid to host the tournament, the country agreed to FIFA's requirements for the sale of alcohol in stadiums; however, the details weren't made public until September, only 11 weeks before the opening kickoff, suggesting how difficult the negotiations may have been. According to a statement released by FIFA on Friday, non-alcoholic beer will continue to be sold at the eight stadiums, and champagne, wine, whiskey, and other alcoholic drinks will continue to be offered in the luxurious hospitality areas of the arenas.

Although they will be able to consume alcoholic drinks in the evenings in what is known as the FIFA Fan Festival, a designated party area that also includes live music and activities, the vast majority of ticket holders do not have access to those sections. Although the sale of alcohol has long been permitted in hotel bars, Qatar puts strict limitations on its consumption outside of the locations where the tournament is being held.

“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 … stadium perimeters,” according to FIFA.