Qatar bans alcohol at World Cup stadiums after late reversal

World Cup organisers have banned the sale of alcohol round stadiums in Qatar after last-minute showdown talks, FIFA introduced on Friday.

First reported by British newspaper The Occasions, FIFA and Qatari organisers have been engaged in late negotiations over whether or not beer can be offered on the stadiums throughout the event, which begins on Sunday.

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FIFA said in a statement: “Following discussions between host nation authorities and FIFA, a choice has been made to focus the sale of alcoholic drinks on the FIFA Fan Competition, different fan locations and licensed venues, eradicating the gross sales factors of beer from Qatar’s FIFA World Cup 2022 stadium perimeters.”

Whereas supporters can buy alcohol on the official fan zones throughout the competitors, the sale of beer on the matches themselves has been a controversial subject.

It appeared an settlement was initially struck to permit FIFA to allow sponsors Budweiser to promote beer on the stadiums. This was then additional clarified within the construct as much as the event after the New York Occasions first reported that the beer tents can be much less seen on the grounds on request of the hosts.

However it emerged there was late stress on FIFA to halt gross sales of alcohol on the stadiums themselves, two days earlier than hosts Qatar kick off the event on Sunday in opposition to Ecuador.

“There isn’t a affect to the sale of Bud Zero which is able to stay obtainable in any respect Qatar’s World Cup stadiums,” FIFA added.

“Host nation authorities and FIFA will proceed to make sure that the stadiums and surrounding areas present an pleasurable, respectful and nice expertise for all followers.

“The event organisers recognize AB InBev’s understanding and steady help to our joint dedication to cater for everybody throughout the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.”

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The World Cup was awarded to Qatar again in 2010 however regardless of the competitors beginning in two days’ time, the scenario across the sale of beer is only one of a number of last-minute changes and teething issues occurring in Qatar.

Constructing work is ongoing across the varied fan parks, transport hubs and stadiums. In the meantime, among the short-term fan lodging has additionally are available for heavy criticism.

There are extra luxurious choices obtainable just like the ships docked in Doha. On the Previous Port, there are already two, huge passenger ships ready for followers to board with a 3rd anticipated to reach on Friday. The port has additionally undergone reconstruction to offer eating places and outlets to these staying there, however on Thursday there was nonetheless last-minute constructing work being undertaken.

The identical goes for the metro hubs and stadiums the place the buildings and grounds are able to host, however the areas across the amenities are nonetheless being completed off.