Ale ban is unsporting

THE last-minute decision to ban the sale of beer in Qatar’s World Cup stadiums is a kick in the teeth for fans.

It is also a reminder of why the country should not be hosting the tournament.

The Qatari regime’s appalling human rights record should have disqualified it.

It should have been obvious to FIFA that Qatar’s dictatorial leaders just wanted to use the tournament for propaganda. As the opening match approaches, Qatari authorities are starting to show their true colours.

In addition to reneging on a promise to allow the sale of alcohol in the stands, the authorities have revoked journalists’ visas and barred some reporters from filming.

This should not be the backdrop to a great festival of sport. Qatar’s leaders must be in no doubt: a successful tournament will not be an endorsement of their repressive regime.