Qatar's DOHA — Beer sales at the eight World Cup stadiums in Qatar will be prohibited, FIFA announced two days before the start of the biggest sporting event in history.
The decision was reached "following Sales are still allowed at licensed fan events and in-stadium opulent suites that also serve alcohol, wine, and specially crafted World Cup 2022 champagne
The decision, according to FIFA, will guarantee that "all fans have an enjoyable, respectful, and pleasant experience in the stadiums and surrounding areas." discussions between host country authorities and FIFA," according to a statement from FIFA.
In Qatar, a country in the Persian Gulf rich in energy and home to a Wahhabi community that practices a strict form of Islam, alcohol sales are strictly regulated. Alcohol consumption in public is restricted to specific hotels and eateries.
FIFA and Qatar agreed to allow beer sales inside stadiums but not at concession stands in September. The policy became more stringent last week when the alcohol stands were relocated to even less noticeable locations around the stadium perimeters, forcing many spectators to walk far from the action to make a purchase.
Fans and commentators are concerned that FIFA doesn't have complete control over its signature event after FIFA forced another host nation, Brazil, to change its national laws regarding stadium alcohol sales in 2014.
Tens of millions of dollars have been paid by Budweiser to secure the title of official booze sponsor at World Cup events.
According to the Associated Press, the company, a longtime partner of FIFA, is currently in the process of renewing its agreement for the upcoming World Cup & all World Cup stadiums will still sell Budweiser's non-alcoholic Bud Zero.