Xuenou > Sports > Qatar royal family ‘demand alcohol ban in World Cup stadiums’ in last minute U-turn
Qatar royal family ‘demand alcohol ban in World Cup stadiums’ in last minute U-turn
Qatar royal family 'demand alcohol ban in World Cup stadiums' in last minute U-turn,A last-minute U-turn by the Qatari royal family could see alcohol banned completely at World Cup stadiums despite a multi-million pound deal between FIFA and Budweiser

Qatar royal family ‘demand alcohol ban in World Cup stadiums’ in last minute U-turn

Alcohol could be banned completely at World Cup stadiums following a late U-turn.

The Qatari royal family have reportedly demanded a total ban on the sale of alcohol at World Cup stadiums – just 48 hours before the tournament begins in Al Khor.

There has been much confusion regarding where and when fans will be allowed to drink due to strict laws in the Middle East country – despite a FIFA deal with Budweiser being worth millions.

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Reports say FIFA have been put under significant pressure to refrain selling beer in stadiums, which could put football's governing body in breach of their contract.

The Times report the removal of Budweiser sales at stadiums is now 'likely' after Qatari royals had their say.

That stance might leave designated fan parks the only place where supporters can pick up an alcoholic drink.

LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 13: England fans draped in flags during the UEFA Euro 2020 Championship Group D match between England and Croatia on June 13, 2021 in London, United Kingdom.
England fans will have to adapt their usual drinking routines (Image: Getty Images)

Earlier in the week, FIFA had agreed to move Budweiser concession stands into positions where they were less visible as per a request from the organisers.

The New York Times reported that Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani was behind the change, the brother of Qatar ruler Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

The only place that alcohol has a good chance of still being available in stadiums is hospitality boxes, which start at around £18,850 for one match.

An aerial view of Khalifa Stadium stadium at sunrise on June 22, 2022 in Doha, Qatar. Khalifa Stadium stadium is a host venue of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 starting in November.
The Khalifa Stadium is a host venue of the Qatar World Cup which starts next week (Image: Getty Images)
An employee walks past cabins at the Al-Emadi fan village in Doha on November 9, 2022, ahead of the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup football tournament.
Cabins at the Al-Emadi fan village stretch as far as the eyes can see (Image: Getty Images)

As a conservative Muslim country, the sale of alcohol is restricted and only sold in certain hotels in the Doha area.

It appeared as though the hosts had accepted that alcohol laws needed to be fully relaxed for the duration of the tournament, but more compromises might be pushed on FIFA.

The tournament, which is kicked-off by Qatar's clash against Ecuador on Sunday (November 20) runs until December 18 when the final takes place at the Lusail Stadium.

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