FIFA confirms no alcohol to be sold at Qatar World Cup stadi

FIFA confirms no alcohol to be sold at Qatar World Cup stadiums

By Sammy Mngqosini and Chris Eldergill, CNN


Fri November 18, 2022


Doha, Qatar

CNN

Just two days before the World Cup kicks off in Qatar, soccer’s world governing body FIFA confirmed that no alcohol will be sold at the eight stadiums which will host the tournament’s 64 matches.

“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 perimeter,” said the FIFA statement.

The Muslim country is considered to be very conservative and tightly regulates alcohol sales and usage.

In September, Qatar had said it would permit ticketed fans to buy alcoholic beer at World Cup soccer matches starting three hours before kickoff and for one hour after the final whistle, but not during the match.

“There is no impact to the sale of Bud Zero which will remain available at all Qatar’s World Cup stadiums,” added the FIFA statement.



“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.”

While some fans may be pleased the stadiums are alcohol free, others are confused and frustrated – including 21-year-old student Arnov Paul-Choudhury.




“It’s the World Cup, it’s football, you need to be able to drink around the stadium,” he told CNN Sport in Doha. “I just don’t think they’re doing the right things to attract fans.”

Budweiser was set to sell beer within the ticketed perimeter surrounding each of the eight stadiums before and after each game.

The beer brand, which is one of FIFA’s partners, tweeted, “Well, this is awkward,” though the social media post was quickly deleted.

Budweiser is owned by the world’s largest brewer Anheuser-Busch InBev.

“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,” continued the FIFA statement.




Budweiser pays around $75 million for its sponsorship agreement with FIFA, according to the New York Times.




“As partners of FIFA for over three decades, we look forward to our activations of FIFA World Cup™ campaigns around the world to celebrate football with our consumers,” said an AB InBev spokesperson.

“Some of the planned stadium activations cannot move forward due to circumstances beyond our control.”

The Football Supporters’ Association (FSA), the national representative body for football fans in England and Wales, has condemned the decision on beer sales.

In a statement released on Friday, the FSA said: “Some fans like a beer at the match, and some don’t, but the real issue is the last minute U-turn which is speaks to a wider problem – the total lack of communications and clarity from the organising committee towards the supporters.

“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 fulfill other promises relating to accommodation, transport or cultural issues.”

Fans will not be the only ones disappointed with the eleventh-hour U-turn.

Ben Peppi, head of sports services at JMW Solicitors, says the move is “hugely damaging” for FIFA’s brand.

“Brands will be treading very carefully now around FIFA for future tournaments,” he told CNN Sport. “Because if two days out before the biggest global sporting event that they host, they turn round to a brand and say, ‘you can’t do this and you can’t do that’ and breach that contract, that’s not going to give any security to any new brand.”

The 2022 Qatar World Cup runs from November 20 until December 18.

CNN is still waiting for an official statement from Qatar’s Supreme Committee.

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That idiot infantino cannot see that they ban joe public from drinking but not the greedy coperate section who undoubtedly bribed fifa to keep taps flowing? He accuses Europe of hypocrisy but hypocrisy and corruption is a fifa byword.... there was no mention in his ramblings about fact that fifa forced Brazil to change an aspect of their taunement yet lay down and let qataris tickle his stomach like pet poodle. He says be best taunement yet? hes deluded football possibly if Heat doesnt kill the players.. but outside the games total damp squib with fans walking around in fear of being arrested for simply sneezing ...

Big fuss about nothing dry stadiums are common throughout Europe . You should be able to do without a drink for 3 hours anyway and any one whose gone knew the drink wasn't going to be flowing freely there to say the least.

Big fuss about nothing dry stadiums are common throughout Europe . You should be able to do without a drink for 3 hours anyway and any one whose gone knew the drink wasn't going to be flowing freely there to say the least.

Yes people keep saying about other places but they are well established facts ...... this country went back on an agreement 3 days before it starts... but let their mates keep on drinking it's a principle more than the ban ... even bud have said sfa about it because they were gagged? a tweet was deleted very quickly that was critical of the decision.... why didn't fifa stand up to them after all it's their taunement...

All of us have mothers. sisters, daughters anyone who supports this disgrace ought to think about what they are doing. These stinking medieval pigs bought this farce. What about the dead and maimed ? What about the tortured and condemned rotting in their jails? Oh but it is alright because I am wearing a rainbow armband. I have had it with football sold its soul but remember it is the dough that counts ££££££££££££££££££££££££££££.

Euro 2016 in France stadiums and fan zones only sold low alcohol lager (piss).So no different.

Typical Fifa they want the sponsorship money they have done the dirty on Budweiser they should hand back all the money don’t be surprised if Qater win there first game they won’t win it on merit

To be fair, they're probably doing the fans a favour as Budweiser tastes like gnats piss and is barely alcoholic anyway. Whazzzupp my arse.

Typical Fifa they want the sponsorship money they have done the dirty on Budweiser they should hand back all the money don’t be surprised if Qater win there first game they won’t win it on merit

Do you see bud complaining anywhere? Did a tweet but was very quickly deleted as criticised the decision.... but since then are quite happy to say nothing and no mention of compensation wonder why? Perhaps dont want to upset fifa for next WC.... isnt it going to usa/Canada?

Typical Fifa they want the sponsorship money they have done the dirty on Budweiser they should hand back all the money don’t be surprised if Qater win there first game they won’t win it on merit

Do you see bud complaining anywhere? Did a tweet but was very quickly deleted as criticised the decision.... but since then are quite happy to say nothing and no mention of compensation wonder why? Perhaps dont want to upset fifa for next WC.... isnt it going to usa/Canada?

AB Inbev (Bud owners) won't be too bothered about their nasty booze not being available for sale in the stadium, their main objective is the global TV and social advertising. They'll just say that they respect the Qataris decision and their premium beverage can still be enjoyed outside the stadiums. And then of course remind everyone to please drink responsibly and don't mention the 6500 who died building the stadiums or Qatar's atrocious human rights laws.

FB_IMG_1668789989089.jpg

You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.

Typical Fifa they want the sponsorship money they have done the dirty on Budweiser they should hand back all the money don’t be surprised if Qater win there first game they won’t win it on merit

Do you see bud complaining anywhere? Did a tweet but was very quickly deleted as criticised the decision.... but since then are quite happy to say nothing and no mention of compensation wonder why? Perhaps dont want to upset fifa for next WC.... isnt it going to usa/Canada?

AB Inbev (Bud owners) won't be too bothered about their nasty booze not being available for sale in the stadium, their main objective is the global TV and social advertising. They'll just say that they respect the Qataris decision and their premium beverage can still be enjoyed outside the stadiums. And then of course remind everyone to please drink responsibly and don't mention the 6500 who died building the stadiums or Qatar's atrocious human rights laws.

FB_IMG_1668789989089.jpg

Was interesting article by T.U.C about how Qatar put rules in place about workers rights wage ect just to look good because the employers simply ignore them and carry on with low wages and poor conditions they do this with impunity... infantino is deluded if he thinks Qatar will change their oppressive policies towards lbgt also women and workers.... the idiot as also changed the Capt armband to 3 different types ....
The last-16 will be #EducationForAll and #FootballForSchools while the quarter-finals will be NoDiscrimination. Really pathetic attempt to appease teams and the world

Typical Fifa they want the sponsorship money they have done the dirty on Budweiser they should hand back all the money don’t be surprised if Qater win there first game they won’t win it on merit

Do you see bud complaining anywhere? Did a tweet but was very quickly deleted as criticised the decision.... but since then are quite happy to say nothing and no mention of compensation wonder why? Perhaps dont want to upset fifa for next WC.... isnt it going to usa/Canada?

AB Inbev (Bud owners) won't be too bothered about their nasty booze not being available for sale in the stadium, their main objective is the global TV and social advertising. They'll just say that they respect the Qataris decision and their premium beverage can still be enjoyed outside the stadiums. And then of course remind everyone to please drink responsibly and don't mention the 6500 who died building the stadiums or Qatar's atrocious human rights laws.

FB_IMG_1668789989089.jpg

Was interesting article by T.U.C about how Qatar put rules in place about workers rights wage ect just to look good because the employers simply ignore them and carry on with low wages and poor conditions they do this with impunity... infantino is deluded if he thinks Qatar will change their oppressive policies towards lbgt also women and workers.... the idiot as also changed the Capt armband to 3 different types ....
The last-16 will be #EducationForAll and #FootballForSchools while the quarter-finals will be NoDiscrimination. Really pathetic attempt to appease teams and the world

I read Infantinos's unexpected and deluded impromptu speech today that shocked journos where he said he feels the immigrant workers pain, as he was bullied for having red hair and freckles. What a trooper.

Typical Fifa they want the sponsorship money they have done the dirty on Budweiser they should hand back all the money don’t be surprised if Qater win there first game they won’t win it on merit

Do you see bud complaining anywhere? Did a tweet but was very quickly deleted as criticised the decision.... but since then are quite happy to say nothing and no mention of compensation wonder why? Perhaps dont want to upset fifa for next WC.... isnt it going to usa/Canada?

AB Inbev (Bud owners) won't be too bothered about their nasty booze not being available for sale in the stadium, their main objective is the global TV and social advertising. They'll just say that they respect the Qataris decision and their premium beverage can still be enjoyed outside the stadiums. And then of course remind everyone to please drink responsibly and don't mention the 6500 who died building the stadiums or Qatar's atrocious human rights laws.

FB_IMG_1668789989089.jpg

Was interesting article by T.U.C about how Qatar put rules in place about workers rights wage ect just to look good because the employers simply ignore them and carry on with low wages and poor conditions they do this with impunity... infantino is deluded if he thinks Qatar will change their oppressive policies towards lbgt also women and workers.... the idiot as also changed the Capt armband to 3 different types ....
The last-16 will be #EducationForAll and #FootballForSchools while the quarter-finals will be NoDiscrimination. Really pathetic attempt to appease teams and the world

I read Infantinos's unexpected and deluded impromptu speech today that shocked journos where he said he feels the immigrant workers pain, as he was bullied for having red hair and freckles. What a trooper.

It was a pathetic attempt to say that Europe was just as bad as Qatar so what's the fuss? Really was an awful statement he should learn to keep his mouth shut he is making matters worse.....
This taunement is turning into a non event for fans as an experience...... my concern is that its 100% certain theres going to be an incident with a fan and the morality police that they have there ! then what Blame poor fan for Being there having a drink?

Typical Fifa they want the sponsorship money they have done the dirty on Budweiser they should hand back all the money don’t be surprised if Qater win there first game they won’t win it on merit

Do you see bud complaining anywhere? Did a tweet but was very quickly deleted as criticised the decision.... but since then are quite happy to say nothing and no mention of compensation wonder why? Perhaps dont want to upset fifa for next WC.... isnt it going to usa/Canada?

AB Inbev (Bud owners) won't be too bothered about their nasty booze not being available for sale in the stadium, their main objective is the global TV and social advertising. They'll just say that they respect the Qataris decision and their premium beverage can still be enjoyed outside the stadiums. And then of course remind everyone to please drink responsibly and don't mention the 6500 who died building the stadiums or Qatar's atrocious human rights laws.

FB_IMG_1668789989089.jpg

Was interesting article by T.U.C about how Qatar put rules in place about workers rights wage ect just to look good because the employers simply ignore them and carry on with low wages and poor conditions they do this with impunity... infantino is deluded if he thinks Qatar will change their oppressive policies towards lbgt also women and workers.... the idiot as also changed the Capt armband to 3 different types ....
The last-16 will be #EducationForAll and #FootballForSchools while the quarter-finals will be NoDiscrimination. Really pathetic attempt to appease teams and the world

I read Infantinos's unexpected and deluded impromptu speech today that shocked journos where he said he feels the immigrant workers pain, as he was bullied for having red hair and freckles. What a trooper.

It was a pathetic attempt to say that Europe was just as bad as Qatar so what's the fuss? Really was an awful statement he should learn to keep his mouth shut he is making matters worse.....
This taunement is turning into a non event for fans as an experience...... my concern is that its 100% certain theres going to be an incident with a fan and the morality police that they have there ! then what Blame poor fan for Being there having a drink?

Apparently some of the accommodation is plastic tents and brown water coming through the taps.
Some of the porta cabins wouldn't look out of place in a World, war 2 POW camp.

Typical Fifa they want the sponsorship money they have done the dirty on Budweiser they should hand back all the money don’t be surprised if Qater win there first game they won’t win it on merit

Do you see bud complaining anywhere? Did a tweet but was very quickly deleted as criticised the decision.... but since then are quite happy to say nothing and no mention of compensation wonder why? Perhaps dont want to upset fifa for next WC.... isnt it going to usa/Canada?

AB Inbev (Bud owners) won't be too bothered about their nasty booze not being available for sale in the stadium, their main objective is the global TV and social advertising. They'll just say that they respect the Qataris decision and their premium beverage can still be enjoyed outside the stadiums. And then of course remind everyone to please drink responsibly and don't mention the 6500 who died building the stadiums or Qatar's atrocious human rights laws.

FB_IMG_1668789989089.jpg

Was interesting article by T.U.C about how Qatar put rules in place about workers rights wage ect just to look good because the employers simply ignore them and carry on with low wages and poor conditions they do this with impunity... infantino is deluded if he thinks Qatar will change their oppressive policies towards lbgt also women and workers.... the idiot as also changed the Capt armband to 3 different types ....
The last-16 will be #EducationForAll and #FootballForSchools while the quarter-finals will be NoDiscrimination. Really pathetic attempt to appease teams and the world

I read Infantinos's unexpected and deluded impromptu speech today that shocked journos where he said he feels the immigrant workers pain, as he was bullied for having red hair and freckles. What a trooper.

It was a pathetic attempt to say that Europe was just as bad as Qatar so what's the fuss? Really was an awful statement he should learn to keep his mouth shut he is making matters worse.....
This taunement is turning into a non event for fans as an experience...... my concern is that its 100% certain theres going to be an incident with a fan and the morality police that they have there ! then what Blame poor fan for Being there having a drink?

Apparently some of the accommodation is plastic tents and brown water coming through the taps.
Some of the porta cabins wouldn't look out of place in a World, war 2 POW camp.

Yes not finished £175 a night two single beds a lamp and a fan!! But cant stay behond 9am due to heat no water available other places for fans not finished ffs had 11yrs to do these things bit do note its ordinary fans facilities that are poor not rich mans gaffes.

£175 a night for a gazebo that you have to be out of by 9am or get heat exhaustion. So if the Qataris and FIFA deem that as acceptable as WC fan accomodation, is it any wonder 6500 migrant workers died building this shitshow?

Shocking. What’s a game of football without a good old knees up?