Beer sales banned around Qatar World Cup stadiums: FIFA
Saturday November 19 2022
Budweiser beer kiosks are pictured at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha on November 18, 2022, ahead of the Qatar 2022 World Cup football tournament. The sale of alcohol in Qatar is strictly regulated. MIGUEL MEDINA / AFP
FIFA and Qatar on Friday banned beer sales around the eight World Cup stadiums in 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, who told AFP that "some of the planned stadium activations cannot move forward due to circumstances beyond our control".
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."
Meanwhile fan groups said supporters should be concerned for other promises made by the hosts.
"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," said the Football Supporters' Association in England.
"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."
In Doha, fans reacted with disappointment to a sudden decision which would further restrict an already small list of places where they will be able to celebrate with a drink.
"That's quite sad because, you know, with this weather and all the excitement we have, of course we want a beer at least once," Ecuador fan Diana, 31, told AFP.