FIFA officials shockingly announced Friday that Qatar is banning alcohol sales from its stadium perimeters 48 hours before the start of the soccer World Cup.
The decision was taken “after negotiations between host country authorities and FIFA,” the sport’s beleaguered world governing organisation tweeted.
It is an impressive last-minute policy adjustment for the affluent Gulf nation, which had 12 years to plan the second-largest athletic event in the world, after the Olympics.
Because of Qatar’s dismal record on human rights, its discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community, and its mistreatment of migrant workers who built the tournament venues, this World Cup is already steeped in controversy. This also draws attention to another potential flashpoint: that between this notoriously intoxicating sport and the conservative, Muslim nation hosting it.
For key sponsor Budweiser, which has a $75 million advertising arrangement with FIFA, it also poses a significant difficulty.
The parent company of Budweiser, AB InBev, was recognised by FIFA for its “understanding and continued support” in order to “cater for everyone” during the World Cup.
Budweiser tweeted on Friday in response to allegations that Qatar might soon impose an alcohol ban: “Well, this is embarrassing.”
When NBC News contacted the event’s organiser, Qatar’s Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy, for comment, they pointed them to FIFA’s statement.
It happens only two days before Qatar and Ecuador square off in the tournament’s opening ceremony at the 60,000-seat Al Bayt Stadium, which is located just north of Doha.
The sale of alcohol is severely regulated in Qatar due to the absolute monarchy that controls the country and its interpretation of Islamic law. In spite of reservations about its human rights record and a lack of soccer infrastructure, it consented to loosen these regulations prior to the World Cup, which it was given in 2010.
Alcohol will only be provided at approved fan zones, such as the FIFA Fan Festival, and other licenced locations, according to a statement from FIFA.
The red Budweiser kiosks outside the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha, for instance, may need to be relocated or replaced because it was stated that “sales points of alcohol” will be “removed” from stadium boundaries. According to the statement, Bud Zero, the brewer’s alcohol-free beverage, would still be permitted inside the stadium’s boundaries, which means that those vendors may still sell Bud Zero there.
According to Sky News, NBC News’ British affiliate, alcohol will still be offered as business hospitality.
Soccer and alcohol still have a tense relationship in many nations, especially in Europe. The final between England and Italy was marred by thousands of rowdy, ticketless, and frequently visibly inebriated England supporters who stormed London’s Wembley Stadium last year.
But many fans find it upsetting that a major event would change its rules so soon before it took place.
The Football Supporters’ Association, a group representing fans in England and Wales, said in a statement: “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.”
Qatar has previously stated that all fans, including LGBTQ+ individuals, are welcome, but that travellers should respect the culture of the country, in which public displays of affection by anyone are discouraged.
