Beer can be hard to come by in Qatar. Now The New York Times writes that Qatar is introducing a beer ban at all World Cup stadiums. This with only 48 hours left until the premiere.
The English newspaper The Times reported earlier on Friday that Qatar is pressuring Fifa to stop beer sales at all eight stadiums where matches are played in the World Cup. In Qatar, alcohol sales are strictly controlled, but the plan has been for supporters to be allowed to drink alcohol in designated areas near stadiums, as well as in “fan zones” and indoors in hotels.
Later on Friday, The New York Times reports that a World Cup official confirms that Qatar has decided to ban beer sales in and around all World Cup venues. The beer, which is sold, will instead be non-alcoholic, and only in luxury suites, which are for Fifa officials and other wealthy guests, will there be access to alcohol.
Fotbollkanalen’s Olof Lundh, who is present during the championship, writes as follows on Twitter:
“Wow, a Quick-step from Qatar that stops all beer in the WC arenas. The conversation between Fifa and Budweiser will be strained,” he writes.
In the player above: Olof Lundh on Qatar’s reversal.