Two days before the opening of the World Cup in Qatar on the 20th (local time), there were reports that beer sales would be banned at the World Cup Stadium.
The Associated Press and the New York Times reported on the 18th, citing an anonymous source, that the Qatari government decided to ban the sale of beer with alcohol in eight stadiums where World Cup games are held. As a result, only non-alcoholic beer is allowed to be sold.
As soon as the report came out, the International Football Federation (FIFA) issued a statement and discussed with Qatar, the host country, to ban the sale of alcohol near the stadium, saying that alcohol was only sold in the ‘fan area’.
Qatar, a Muslim country, strictly restricts the sale of alcoholic beverages, but in respect of FIFA’s sponsorship agreement, ticket holders were allowed to purchase beer only at pre-designated locations near the stadium during the World Cup. Beer company Budweiser and FIFA have a sponsorship deal worth $75 million.
The Qatari government last week issued a notice to move the beer sales area around the stadium to a less conspicuous location.
