Qatar makes U-turn, bans alcohol sales at World Cup stadiums

FIFA has announced the ban on alcohol sales inside the World Cup’s eight stadiums in Qatar — in what appears to be a dramatic change in the evolving plan for beer during the tournament.  

The football’s global governing body broke the news in a statement via its Twitter page on Friday.

The statement added that fans will only be able to access alcohol at “Fifa fan festival, other fan destinations and licensed venues.”

“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,” FIFA wrote.

“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 announcement sees Qatar, the host nation, make a U-turn on its initial alcohol policy for the World Cup.

Statement on beer sales at #WorldCup stadiums 🏟️ on behalf of FIFA and Host Country 🇶🇦: pic.twitter.com/o4IEhboXks

— FIFA Media (@fifamedia) November 18, 2022

The Gulf nation had earlier said beer would be allowed in “designated locations” inside the stadiums.

Qatar will be hosting the rest of the world at the first FIFA World Cup in the middle east when the tournament kicks off on Sunday through December 18.

In the country, like other middle eastern and Muslim nations, alcohol is forbidden, according to the teachings of Islam.

The ban on alcohol in stadiums is the latest in a series of actions that have spurred waves of protests against the host country in the past months.