Beer sales at FIFA World Cup venues are Banned in Qatar
READ MORE: FIFA WORLD CUP QATAR 2022 COMPLETE GROUP STAGE RESULTS
Qatari officials have decided that only nonalcoholic beverages will be offered to supporters at stadiums throughout the month-long FIFA World Cup.
The decision, which was made two days before the competition’s first game, was officially announced by FIFA, the event’s owner, on Friday.
Following consultations with the host nation’s government, FIFA decided to restrict the sale of alcoholic beverages to the FIFA Fan Festival, other fan destinations, and authorized locations, the organization said. It was stated that the choice would “remove beer sales points from Qatar’s FIFA World Cup 2022 stadium perimeters.”
The newest and most significant modification to an expanding alcohol policy is the beer prohibition, which has for months raised tensions between FIFA, the world governing body of soccer, and Qatar, a devout Muslim country where the sale of alcohol is strictly regulated. However, it will also make FIFA’s $75 million sponsorship deal with Budweiser more difficult, enrage fans who are already irritated by the event’s limitations, expenses, and inconveniences, and once again force organizers to make last-minute adjustments this time with only 48 hours before the tournament’s first game on Sunday.
WATCH: FIFA WORLD CUP QATAR 2022 RESULTS
It also implied that FIFA, which has endured years of scathing criticism for its choice to hold its tournament in Qatar, could no longer have complete authority over important decisions pertaining to the event.