All FIFA World Cup stadium perimeters in Qatar are now off-limits to the sale of beer.
The world’s biggest single sporting event is set to begin 72 hours after the announcement. On Sunday, Qatar and Ecuador will play to kick off the World Cup. The competition is taking place in the Middle East for the first time.
Despite being strictly prohibited in the Muslim nation, alcohol was planned to be served “in select places within stadiums.” Beer manufacturer AB InBev, the owner of Budweiser, which is a key sponsor of Fifa, had exclusive rights to sell beer throughout the World Cup.
“Following discussions between host country authorities and FIFA, a decision has been made to focus on 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, FIFA Media said in a statement issued on behalf of FIFA and Qatar, on Twitter.
FIFA further stated that the sale of Bud Zero, which will continue to be offered at all of Qatar’s World Cup venues, will not be impacted. At the event, alcohol will still be available for purchase in the corporate sections of the stadiums.
“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 added.
The abrupt alcohol prohibition serves as a symbol for the conflicts at the core of this World Cup. Qatar has a lot to prove as a small, extremely wealthy Muslim country in the Middle East with strict living standards and lofty aspirations to be a major player in the world of sports. This prohibition on the sale of alcohol will be viewed by Qataris as the government’s adherence to the Islamic laws that the vast majority of people in this country follow. However, there are also concerns about Fifa’s consistency and the reasons why they were unable to enforce the plan on Qatar.
