Qatar: Beer sale banned around World Cup stadiums in dramatic policy U-turn

FIFA and Qatar on Friday banned beer sales around the eight World Cup stadiums in a stunning policy U-turn just two days before the start of the tournament, Dawn reported on November 18.

Football's world governing body said the decision was taken following "discussions" with the World Cup hosts, an Islamic state which severely restricts alcohol consumption.

It gave no reason for the surprise decision but media reports said there had been an intervention by Qatar's ruling family.

The decision could affect FIFA's deal with major sponsor, beer maker AB InBev, who told AFP that "some of the planned stadium activations cannot move forward due to circumstances beyond our control".

A FIFA statement said only that alcohol would be focused on fan zones, "removing sales points of beer from Qatar's FIFA World Cup 2022 stadium perimeters."

Meanwhile fan groups said supporters should be concerned for other promises made by the hosts.

"The real issue is the last minute U-turn which speaks to a wider problem -- the total lack of communication and clarity from the organising committee towards supporters," said the Football Supporters' Association in England.

"If they can change their minds on this at a moment's notice, with no explanation, supporters will have understandable concerns about whether they will fulfil other promises relating to accommodation, transport or cultural issues."

In Doha, fans reacted with disappointment to a sudden decision which would further restrict an already small list of places where they will be able to celebrate with a drink.

"That's quite sad because, you know, with this weather and all the excitement we have, of course we want a beer at least once," Ecuador fan Diana, 31, told AFP.

Dozens of beer tents had already been set up at stadiums ahead of the first game Sunday between Qatar and Ecuador.

Qatar has spent tens of billions of dollars preparing for the World Cup and has predicted that more than one million fans will visit the country for the 29-day tournament.

But its strict cultural rules have faced international scrutiny.

Organising committee chief executive Naser Al-Khater said in September that the availability of beer was one of the "unfair" criticisms that Qatar had faced.

"I think that there is a misconception regarding the sale of alcohol in the stadiums," he said at the time.

"We are working as any other World Cup where this is something typical and usual, and it is no different than any other World Cup."

He said it would be "business as usual".

FIFA earns tens of millions of dollars each year from its sponsorship contract with AB InBev and Budweiser is the only beer available at official venues.

"The tournament organisers appreciate AB InBev's understanding and continuous support to our joint commitment to cater for everyone during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022," added the FIFA statement.

Neither the organising committee nor the Qatar government made any immediate comment.

British newspaper The Times said the decision followed an intervention by the family of the emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani.

The New York Times said "World Cup staff members were told the move followed security advice" but that it was believed the decision originated with a brother of the sheikh who is influential in daily policy.

Beer will remain available in VIP suites in stadiums, sold by the world body, at the main FIFA fan zone in Doha, some private fan zones and in about 35 hotel and restaurant bars.

20 November, 2022