Two days before the opening game, the softening of the alcohol ban that had actually been agreed with the world football association was overturned again, as FIFA announced on Friday. This means that the fans only have to adjust again around 48 hours before the World Cup opening game between hosts Qatar and Ecuador on Sunday (5:00 p.m.).
Alcohol only in VIP suites
The decision was made after “consultation” with the host country, which has extremely strict alcohol rules. A reason for the surprising turnaround was not given. According to FIFA, non-alcoholic beer will continue to be sold in the stadiums. According to FIFA, alcoholic beer in the stadium should now only be served in the VIP suites, which should cause discussions.
“Normal” fans are allowed to consume alcoholic beverages in Qatar at the official fan festival in the capital Doha. “Following discussions between the authorities of the host country and FIFA, it has been decided to focus sales of alcoholic beverages on the FIFA Fan Festival and other fan destinations and licensed venues,” the statement said.
There had already been discussions about the alcohol being served at the tournament. According to media reports, sales stands that had already been set up around the stadiums were dismantled at the beginning of the week. At first it was said that these should be rebuilt elsewhere. Accordingly, the hosts pushed for a ban on alcohol, while FIFA and its beer sponsor opposed it. FIFA had initially rejected the reports of a change in the serving concept.
So far, it was planned that fans would be allowed to buy alcoholic beer in certain zones within the stadium areas during the World Cup games between November 20 and December 18 – but not directly in the arenas and only before and after the games. Now there is no alcoholic beer to buy anywhere in the area around the stadiums.
Budweiser reacted cautiously to FIFA’s decision. This is “outside our control,” a spokesman for the parent company AB InBev told the AFP news agency. Budweiser notes that some of the sales activities planned for the World Cup may not take place.
Alcohol is not completely banned in Qatar, but is only served to a very limited extent, for example in bars or restaurants in certain hotels. Foreigners who have a residence permit can also buy it in a shop, but must be older than 21 and need a permit to do so.
Source: Nachrichten
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