Qatar bans alcohol from World Cup stadiums in an 11th-hour U-turn
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.
Beer will no longer be sold within the perimeters of Qatar 2022 stadiums, after the host nation reversed its policy to relax its restrictions, with the only drinks on sale to fans at stadiums being non-alcoholic.
Fans will no longer be able to buy Budweiser, which would have been the only alcoholic beverage available to fans due to its sponsorship of Fifa.
It is understood restrictions have still been eased to allow
Fifa sponsor Budweiser to sell its products outside World Cup match venues and fan zones – but fans will be told they cannot buy beer at any games during the tournament.
It is understood that beer will stillbeavailableinluxurysuites reserved for Fifa officials and other wealthy guests.
The move is likely to increase tensionswithsponsorsandfifa amid suggestions the World Cup’s governing body does not have as much control as previously claimed around official events. The organisation’s officialfanguidenotes“ticketholders will have access to Budweiser, Budweiser Zero, and Cocacola products within the stadium perimeter” for at least three hoursbeforegames,andforone hour afterward. Controls on alcohol are strict in the country, but alcohol is available in Qatar. Sales are strictly controlled in the Muslim country and most visitors, even before the World Cup,werepermittedtobuybeer and other alcoholic beverages only in upscale hotel bars and at unusually high prices.
Qatar will be left with an unhappy sponsor on its hands in Budweiser. The brewing company is reported to have paid Fifa $75 million (£62.86m) every four years to be one of its top-level partners.
Thecompanytweetedfromits main account yesterday: “Well, this is awkward”. The post was then deleted.
One source told Sky News: "These have been long-term discussions,andtheoverallfeelingfromeveryoneinvolvedwas that the stadiums need to be for everyone.
"Thisworldcupisdifferentto othersinthatalargernumberof fans are attending from across themiddleeastandsouthasia, wherealcoholdoesn'tplaysuch a large role in the culture. The thinking was that, for many fans, the presence of alcohol would not create an enjoyable experience.
"Thefanzoneswillbedifferent in that some are clearly designated as alcohol-serving, while others are alcohol-free. Fans can decide where they want to go without feeling uncomfortable."
The Football Supporters’ Association criticised the lateness of the decision.
“Some fans like a beer at a game and some don’t, but the real issue is the last minute U-turn,whichspeakstoawider problem – the total lack of communicationandclarityfromthe organising committee towards supporters,” a spokesperson said.
Fifa released a statement, saying: “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 ensure that the stadiums and surrounding areas provide an enjoyable,respectfulandpleasant experience for all fans.