- Qatar bans beer in all World Cup stadiums all over the country
- The conservative, gas-rich Muslim nation does not fully ban alcohol for visitors, but its sale and consumption are strictly controlled.
FIFA, the governing body of soccer in the world, announced on Friday that Qatar is banning all beer sales at and around its World Cup stadiums in a spectacular U-turn only two days before the enormous soccer event gets underway.
“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,” a statement from FIFA said.
Although alcohol is not entirely prohibited for visitors in the conservative, gas-rich Muslim country, its sale and usage are highly regulated. Alcohol is often only permitted in a small number of hotels and restaurants with special licenses that are hidden from street view.
All eight of the nation’s World Cup stadiums will continue to sell Budweiser’s non-alcoholic beer, Bud Zero, according to the statement. After 6:30 p.m., alcoholic beverages will still be offered at designated fan zones in Qatar, and inebriated supporters will be directed to designated areas to sober up.
However, the Gulf state agreed to permit the sale of Budweiser, one of the World Cup’s biggest sponsors, in designated areas outside the eight stadiums hosting games. The Gulf state restricts the sale of alcohol to high-end hotels.
READ ALSO: Top 10 Things To Know Before FIFA 2022 World Cup in Qatar
But according to Fifa, after “discussions between host country authorities and Fifa,” beer sales kiosks will no longer be present around stadium boundaries.
“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,” Fifa said in a statement.
There was a last-minute change of heart due to worries that Qataris might feel uncomfortable in locations where people were drinking for up to three hours before matches, according to persons briefed on the organizers’ thinking
Alcoholic beverages are now restricted to stadium hospitality sections and specific Doha locations, such as the Fifa Fan Festival, where a cup of beer costs about $12. Beer without alcohol will still be offered in stadiums.
That message was reiterated most recently by Fatma al-Nuaimi, head of communications for the Supreme Committee, who said: “When it comes to alcohol, hospitality is part of our culture, even if alcohol is not. There will be designated areas where drinks will be served, especially the fan zones. So it will be in the places where the fans will gather, but not openly on the streets.”
The organization’s official fan guide also states that “ticket holders will have access to Budweiser, Budweiser Zero, and Coca-Cola products within the stadium perimeter” for at least three hours before games, and for one hour afterward.
The news was greeted with frustration by the Football Supporters Association, which questioned whether the Qataris could now be trusted on their other promises.
“Some fans like a beer at a 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 organizing committee towards supporters,” a spokesman said.
“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 fulfill other promises relating to accommodation, transport or cultural issues.”
