The upcoming FIFA world cup 2022 will be held in Qatar where drinking is severely restricted. However, FIFA said on Saturday that drinking will be allowed in the stadium zone before and after games. The global body gave initial details of beer sales after months of sensitive talks with authorities in the conservative Muslim Gulf state.
The issue is important for FIFA as beer-maker Budweiser has been a major sponsor for three decades while foreign fans are also speculating about the availability of beer at the football extravaganza set to start on November 20. More than one million visitors are expected to attend the global sporting event later this year in Qatar.
According to reports, beer stands would open in zones around stadiums when gates open for a match and close 30 minutes before each game starts. The stands would then reopen for a short time after the match gets over.
FIFA did not confirm times but a spokesperson said it had focused on “catering for those who wish to enjoy an alcoholic drink while being respectful towards the local culture”.
In a statement to AFP, the spokesperson said, “ticket-holders would get access to beer within the stadium perimeter before kick-off and after the final whistle.”
“Inside stadiums, only Budweiser’s zero-alcohol beer and soft drinks would be available”, the spokesperson added.
Coca-Cola, another huge sponsor of the event, has the sole right to sell soft drinks at the eight stadiums to be used for the World Cup.
While alcohol is not banned in Qatar as it is in neighbouring Saudi Arabia, it is only available in about 35 international hotels and restaurants. Foreign residents can buy alcohol in government stores and drinking in public is illegal.
Alcohol is a controversial topic at stadiums around the world. In England, most Premier League clubs allow beer sales inside stadiums but fans cannot drink in the sight of the pitch.
Fans are eagerly waiting for the World Cup to get underway. France is the defending champions of the FIFA World Cup as they were crowned champions in the 2018 edition of the event. They defeated the runners-up Croatia by 4-2.
