BEER-LESS WORLD CUP

THERE have been all sorts of grumblings about Qatar’s human rights record and undemocratic systems but nothing has drawn more interest than whether beer will be available during the mother of all global parties. Well, Fifa and Qatar yesterday gave clarity on this by announcing a ban on beer sales around the eight World Cup stadiums. It was a stunning policy U-turn just two days before the start of the tournament. Football’s world governing body said the decision was taken following “discussions” with the World Cup hosts, an Islamic state which severely restricts alcohol consumption.

It gave no reason for the surprise decision but media reports said there had been an intervention by Qatar’s ruling family.

The decision could affect Fifa’s deal with major sponsor, beer maker AB InBev, while fan groups said supporters should be concerned for other promises made by the hosts.

A Fifa statement said only that alcohol would be focused on fan zones, “removing sales points of beer from Qatar’s Fifa World Cup 2022 stadium perimeters”.

Organising committee CEO Naser Al-Khater said in September it would be “business as usual”.

Fifa earns tens of millions of dollars each year from its sponsorship contract with AB InBev, the maker of Budweiser, the only beer available at official venues.

Beer will remain available in VIP suites in stadiums, sold by the world body, at the main Fifa fan zone in Doha, some private fan zones and in about 35 hotel and restaurant bars. | AFP