This either comes as a surprise or it doesn’t come as a surprise for some people. The sale of alcohol to fans at World Cup stadiums in Qatar has been banned with just two days to go until the tournament kicks off. Fans will no longer be able to buy Budweiser, which would have been the only alcoholic beverage available to fans due to its sponsorship of FIFA. Here’s what you need to know.
Now no one attending matches will be able to consume alcohol within the stadium perimeter, with the exception of corporate spectators. FIFA released a statement confirming the removal of sales points of beer from the stadium perimeters “following discussions between the host country authorities and FIFA.”
Qatar Bans The Sale Of Beer At The World Cup
It is understood Qatar, as hosts, are concerned about the impact of alcohol sales on fans for whom drinking is not part of the culture – not just Qataris but people from other parts of the Middle East and Asia more widely. Supporters will still be able to consume alcohol in designated fan zones, but the incident throws into question the degree to which FIFA has control over the tournament. It will have an unhappy sponsor on its hands in Budweiser.
The brewing company is reported to pay FIFA $75m every four years to be one of its top-level partners, and it will be interesting to see what impact this has on the commercial deal. The company tweeted from its main account on Friday: “Well, this is awkward” – a post which was then deleted.
FIFA said in a statement: “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. There is no impact to the sale of Bud Zero, which will remain available at all Qatar’s World Cup 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. The tournament organizers appreciate AB InBev’s understanding and continuous support to our joint commitment to cater for everyone during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.”
Daily Soap Dish fans, let us know what you think by dropping us a line with your thoughts in our comments section below. Also, don’t forget that we are your source for all of the latest celebrity news right here. What’s more, we’ve also got spoilers for your favorite daytime television soaps, which include ‘The Young and the Restless’, ‘The Bold and the Beautiful’, ‘General Hospital’ and ‘Days of Our Lives’.
