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Qatar has barred the sale of beer in fan zones at World Cup stadiums in an abrupt U-turn on alcohol coverage simply 48 hours earlier than the event begins.
The Gulf state restricts the sale of alcohol to high-end resorts however agreed to permit the sale of Budweiser — one of many World Cup’s greatest sponsors — in designated areas exterior the eight stadiums internet hosting video games.
Nevertheless, in response to two individuals briefed on the organisers’ pondering, there was a last-minute change of coronary heart following considerations that Qataris would really feel uncomfortable in locations the place individuals have been ingesting for as much as three hours earlier than matches.
Alcoholic drinks will now solely be accessible in hospitality suites at stadiums and inside designated areas round Doha, such because the Fifa Fan Pageant, the place beer prices nearly £12 a cup. Alcohol-free beer will nonetheless be accessible at stadiums.
“I believe the sensation and suggestions they acquired was that stadiums will probably be for everybody so they need it to be a pleasant environment for individuals who wish to drink and those that don’t,” mentioned one of many individuals.
The transfer is embarrassing for Fifa, which has had a sponsorship cope with Budweiser for 30 years.
An announcement on the coverage shift is predicted afterward Friday. Budweiser guardian AB InBev, Fifa and Qatar’s organising committee didn’t instantly reply to a request for remark.
Alcohol is one in all plenty of thorny points that organisers have grappled with because the event was awarded to Qatar in 2010. It’s unlawful to drink in public. The New York Instances reported final week that Budweiser had already been instructed to maneuver beer tents to much less seen areas exterior stadiums.
The potential disruption attributable to drunk followers is simply one of many worries round policing one of many greatest sporting occasions on the earth. Qatar is counting on a multinational drive, together with Pakistani troopers and Turkish anti-riot police, to handle the lots of of 1000’s of individuals anticipated in Doha for the month-long event.
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