In a dramatic decision, just two days ahead of FIFA World Cup 2022, host Qatar has banned sale and consumption of beer around the eight stadiums where matches of the mega football tournament will be held, FIFA said in a statement. Qatar is an Islamic country where selling of alcohol is not promoted.
“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," the FIFA statement read.
Qatar is an Islamic country, which strictly controls sale of alchohol. Budweiser, a renowned beer company and one of the biggest sponsors of FIFA World Cup, had initially placed an agreement which permitted sale of beer in fan zones and tournament venues. Before the complete ban, Budweiser had already been forced to move their alcohol stalls to less visible places.
FIFA, however, said there will be no impact on the sale of non-alcoholic Bud Zero, which will remain available at all stadiums where the World Cup matches will be played.
"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," the world football governing body said in its statement.
Since 1986, FIFA-sponsor Budweiser has been an exclusive World Cup brand. Notably, the complete ban could result in FIFA being in breach of a multi-million dollar contract, according to reports.
For the first time ever, FIFA World Cup 2022 is being organised in an Arab nation. Qatar had earlier announced some relaxations in their strict laws, but the government appears to be worried now that a large number of alcohol-consuming people at the stadium might trouble locals, and cause safety-related problems. Millions of football fans from 31 other nations are expected to arrive in Qatar for the FIFA World Cup 2022.