The organizers of the World Cup in Qatar have banned the sale of beer in stadiums where matches will be held. This is stated on the FIFA website.
“It has been decided to focus the sale of alcoholic beverages only at the FIFA Fan Fest, other fan zones and licensed venues, removing beer outlets from arenas where matches will be played,” FIFA said in a release.
The decision to ban came just a few days before the official start of the tournament, which was attended by fans from all over the world. The changes were initially reported by Western journalists, who said that Qatar's royal family had demanded a ban on alcohol in stadiums.
At the same time, the organizers of the tournament from FIFA have an agreement with the beer manufacturer Budweiser for $75 million. Budweiser said they were "overwhelmed by the changes to existing arrangements" and the company will also have to remove its branded tents and change the design to a less neutral color (from the usual red).
Before the restrictions, beer was expected to be sold in stadiums for about $14 a can. As The Guardian previously reported, there was supposed to be a limit of four drinks per order to try to curb drunkenness. FIFA stressed that the rule will not affect the sale of non-alcoholic beer. It will continue to be available in all stadiums.
According to the laws of Qatar, the drinking of alcoholic beverages in public places is prohibited in the country. Also under the ban is the independent importation of alcoholic beverages into the country. The final stage of the 2022 World Cup will be held from November 20 to December 18 at eight stadiums in five cities (Doha, Lusail, Al-Khaur, El-Wakra and Er Rayyan).
