FIFA AND QATAR have banned beer sales around the eight World Cup stadiums in a stunning policy u-turn just two days before the start of the tournament.
Football’s world body said the decision was taken following “discussions” with World Cup hosts Qatar, an Islamic state which severely restricts alcohol consumption.
It gave no reason for the surprise decision, however.
A Fifa statement said alcohol would be focused on fan zones, “removing sales points of beer from Qatar’s Fifa World Cup 2022 stadium perimeters.”
Dozens of beer tents had already been set up at stadiums ahead of the opening game on Sunday between Qatar and Ecuador.
Qatar has predicted that more than one million fans will visit the country for the 29-day tournament and Fifa has had a longstanding sponsorship deal with Budweiser, which is owned by AB InBev.
“The tournament organisers appreciate AB InBev’s understanding and continuous support to our joint commitment to cater for everyone during the Fifa World Cup Qatar 2022,” added the statement.
Beer will remain available in VIP suites in stadiums, which are sold by world football’s governing body, at the main Fifa fan zone in Doha, some private fan zones, and in about 35 hotel and restaurant bars.
The Football Supporters Association, which represents fans in England and Wales, condemned the “total lack of communication and clarity”.
“Some fans like a beer at the match, and some don’t, but the real issue is the last minute u-turn which speaks to a wider problem – the total lack of communication and clarity from the organising committee towards supporters,” a statement read.
“If they can change their minds on this at a moment’s notice, with no explanation, supporters will have understandable concerns about whether they will fulfil other promises relating to accommodation, transport or cultural issues.”
– © AFP 2022
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