FIFA confirms sale of beer banned at World Cup 2022 stadiums in Qatar in last-minute change of plans
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ByEurosport
Updated 18/11/2022 at 16:02 GMT
Beer will not be sold at World Cup stadiums, FIFA has confirmed. The Times reported earlier on Friday morning that Qatari authorities were putting pressure on FIFA to stop selling beer at the eight stadiums hosting matches. Alcohol "will continue to be sold at FIFA Fan Festival, other fan destinations and licensed venues," FIFA said in a statement on Friday, two days before the event starts.
Beer sales banned within World Cup stadium perimeters in Qatar
Alcohol will not be sold inside stadiums or at the Brand Activation Areas within the stadium perimeters at the Qatar World Cup, FIFA has confirmed.
“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," read a statement from FIFA.
"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™️.”
Previously, ticket-holders – according to FIFA’s fan guide – were told they would be able to buy Budweiser at the Brand Activation Areas within the stadium perimeter three hours prior to kick-off and one hour after the final whistle.
Inside the actual stadiums, fans were only ever able to buy Budweiser Zero – which is non-alcoholic – and Coca-Cola. Now, however, alcohol will not be sold inside the stadium perimeters.
The decision comes after Qatari authorities reportedly - according to The Times - applied pressure on FIFA to stop selling Budweiser at the eight hosting stadiums.
Thus, currently, the only place beer is certain to be available is at fan parks, or at special-licensed other areas, like hotels.
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The Times report added that if FIFA acquiesced to the request, it would put them in breach of a multimillion-dollar contract with Budweiser.
The decision to ban alcohol consumption comes just two days before Qatar kick the tournament off against Ecuador.
The ban is thought not to impact hospitality boxes. However, the cost of a suite starts at £19,000.
The move has been greeted with a stinging criticism from the Football Supporters' Association, which said in a statement:
"Some fans like a beer at the match, and some don't but the real issue is the last minute U-turn which speaks to a wider problem - the total lack of communication and clarity from the organising committee towards supporters.
"If they can change their minds on this at a moment's notice, with no explanation, supporters will have understandable concerns about whether they will fulfil other promises relating to accommodation, transport or cultural issues."
Can you drink alcohol in Qatar usually?
Drinking alcohol is not illegal in Qatar. But there is a ban on drinking in public that had been relaxed for the World Cup.
Fans will only be allowed to drink in special licensed public places – and some of those licensed venues were the Brand Activation Areas within the stadium perimeter. That is on longer the case.
Drinking outside of these areas could lead to a fine of up to 3,000 Riyals - which is approximately £700 - and a six-month jail sentence, according to Gov.uk.
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