FIFA Confirms Ban of Alcohol Sales at World Cup Stadiums in Qatar

Just 47 hours before the opening game of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, the government of Qatar announced that alcohol will not be sold at all at stadiums.

The government cites "security concerns" that may arise if alcohol is too readily available in or around the World Cup stadiums. Alcohol will continue to be available in licenced hotels and restaurants, as well as at special fan zones - although you will only be able to buy them at certain times, and there will be a limit of four drinks per person. Stadiums will also continue to offer Bud Zero, an alcohol-free alternative.

The movie is believed to put a strain on the organisers' arrangement with their official beer sponsors Budweiser, whose partnership is worth USD 75 million. In response to the news, the beer brand's official Twitter account posted "Well, this is awkward..."

Although alcohol is legal in Qatar, its sale is strictly regulated, with laws against people who drink in public or are caught being drunk in public.