FIFA has confirmed that no alcohol will be sold at Qatar World Cup stadiums. This was just two days before the World Cup began in Qatar.
According to the FIFA statement, “Following discussions with FIFA authorities from host countries, a decision was made to concentrate the sale of alcohol beverages on the FIFA Fan Festival, other fan destinations, licensed venues, and remove sales points for beer from Qatar’s FIFA World Cup Stadium 2022 stadium perimeter.”
Muslim countries are very conservative and strictly regulate alcohol sales and use.
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Qatar announced in September that it would allow ticketed fans to purchase alcoholic beer during World Cup soccer matches. This was three hours before kickoff, and one hour after the last whistle. But not during the match.
The FIFA statement stated that there is no impact on the sale of Bud Zero, which will continue to be available at all Qatar World Cup stadiums.
“Host country authorities, FIFA will continue to ensure the stadiums provide an enjoyable and respectful experience for all fans.” Budweiser was to sell beer within each stadium’s ticketed area before and after each match.
Budweiser, one of FIFA’s partner companies, tweeted “Well, it is awkward”, though it was quickly deleted.
Anheuser-Busch InBev is the owner of the beer brand.
“The tournament organizers are grateful to AB InBev for their understanding and continued support to our joint commitment of catering for everyone during FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022,” stated the FIFA statement.
We still await an official statement from Budweiser or Qatar’s Supreme Committee.
The 2022 Qatar World Cup will be held from November 20 to December 18.
