Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) has confirmed that there be no sales of any alcoholic beverages at the 2022 World Cup stadiums in Qatar.
It was gathered that FIFA had been under pressure to ban all alcohol sales at World Cup stadiums just days before the tournament kicks off.
The eight World Cup stadiums in Qatar will not sell alcohol as a result of FIFA’s regulation change two days prior to the commencement of the competition.
Just days before the World Cup begins, FIFA had come under pressure to outlaw the selling of alcohol in any World Cup venues.
The host nation has put a lot of pressure on FIFA to ban selling beer inside the eight World Cup stadiums because alcohol sales are normally restricted to foreigners drinking in licensed hotels and restaurants or non-Muslim citizens with special licences in their houses.
They demanded that FIFA stop selling Budweiser, one of the company’s largest sponsors, in eight separate stadiums because doing so would violate a lucrative contract.
Even though the sale of alcohol is officially prohibited in the Muslim nation, it will be served “in select sections within stadiums” in the meantime.
Alcohol will still be available for purchase at the tournament in corporate zones of the stadiums, according to the BBC.
When Qatar plays Ecuador on Sunday, the World Cup officially begins.
Beer manufacturer AB InBev owns Budweiser, a significant FIFA sponsor, and it had exclusive rights to sell beer at the World Cup.
“Following discussions between host country authorities and FIFA, a decision has been made to focus the sale of alcoholic beverages on the FIFA fan festival, other fan destinations and licensed venues, removing sales points of beer from Qatar’s FIFA World Cup 2022 stadium perimeters,” said a statement from world football’s governing body.
“There is no impact to the sale of Bud Zero which will remain available at all Qatar’s World Cup stadiums.
“Host country authorities and FIFA will continue to ensure that the stadiums and surrounding areas provide an enjoyable, respectful and pleasant experience for all fans.
“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.”
Budweiser posted a message on Twitter on Friday saying, “Well, this is awkward” before the post was later deleted.
FIFA adjusted the World Cup’s start date in August so that Qatar would play Ecuador in the opening match.