All eyes are now on the forthcoming FIFA World Cup, to be held in Qatar later this year. Ahead of the mega event, which will be the first to be played in an Arabic country, Qatar’s World Cup stadiums are set to be alcohol-free with beer sales outside arenas only allowed prior to and after the conclusion of some matches, a source with knowledge of plans for the football tournament revealed.
Thus, the alcohol ban can present a unique challenge for the organizers of the showpiece event. Because often fans can be seen enjoying their drinks sponsored by global brewing brands in such tournaments.
“At stadiums, the plans are still being finalized, but the current discussion is to allow fans to have beer upon arrival and when leaving the stadium. But beer won’t be served during the match or inside the stadium bowl,” the source told Reuters.
How do Alcohol and Football go together?
Football’s relationship with booze has long become a lot more tricky in recent times. For the unversed, in the lead-up to the 2014 FIFA World Cup, Brazil had to lift a ban on alcohol at stadiums owing to pressure from governing body FIFA.
There were dark clouds hovering over the availability of alcohol at this year’s competition. It was ever since the Gulf Arab state won the hosting rights in 2010. Nonetheless, it is believed that the fans will be able to buy beer during restricted times in certain parts of the main FIFA fan zone in the Al Bidda Park in Doha, the Qatari capital. “Unlike previous World Cup fan zones, the beer won’t be served all day long, but at restricted times,” the source added.
A spokesperson for the organizers — Qatar’s Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy — has pointed out that together with FIFA they will reveal the plans regarding alcohol availability “in due course”.
“Alcohol is already available in designated areas in Qatar, such as hotels and bars. Moreover, this will not change in 2022. With the aim of catering to visiting fans in 2022, alcohol will be available in additional designated areas during the tournament,” the spokesperson said.
The upcoming 32-nation World Cup will be the first to be held at the end of the calendar year in November and December. France will enter the tournament as the defending champions, beating Croatia 4-2 in the last edition’s final. (Klonopin)
