Qatari World Cup stadiums are set to be alcohol-free, with beer sales allowed outside arenas only before and after some matches, a source with knowledge of the soccer tournament’s plans said.
This year’s World Cup, the first to be held in a Muslim country with strict alcohol controls, presents unique challenges to the organizers of an event often associated with beer fans and sponsored by global brewing brands.
“In the stadium, plans are still being finalized, but the current discussion is to allow fans to drink beer when entering and leaving the stadium, but beer will not be served during matches or inside stadium bowls, The source told Reuters.
A June 2 document and seen by Reuters gives the first insight into how organizers plan to handle the demands of an estimated 1.2 million football fans, many of whom are accustomed to drinking beer without limits on match days.
Football’s association with alcohol has long been a difficult one and in the lead-up to the 2014 World Cup, Brazil lifted a ban on alcohol in stadiums following pressure from FIFA’s governing body.
Wine has been a question mark in this year’s tournament since the Gulf Arab state won the hosting rights in 2010. While not a “dry” state like neighboring Saudi Arabia, the consumption of alcohol in public places is illegal in Qatar.
However, for November’s World Cup, fans will be able to buy beer during restricted times in parts of the main FIFA Fan Zone at Al Bidda Park in Qatar’s capital Doha.
“Unlike previous World Cup fan areas, the beer will not be served throughout the day, but at restricted times,” the source said.
Read also: Spain will be based at Qatar University for 2022 fifa Welcome
The document shows that alcohol will also be available for 15,000 to 20,000 fans at an unused corner of the Doha Golf Club, a few kilometers from the stadium and the main fan area.
In addition, a sandy plot surrounded by a 3-metre wall and a 10,000-capacity venue located between the delivery entrance of a hotel and a district cooling plant will promise techno music and wine, the document shows.
A spokesman for the organisers, Qatar’s Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy, said that together with FIFA they would announce plans for alcohol availability at the 28-day tournament in an “appropriate time”.
“Alcohol is already available in designated areas such as hotels and bars in Qatar, and this will not change in 2022. For the purpose of catering to fans in 2022, alcohol will be available in additional designated areas during the tournament,” the spokesperson said.
‘family friendly’
Although FIFA’s website advertises “beer, champagne, sommelier-selected wines and premium spirits” in stadium VIP hospitality suites, alcohol was not sold in stadiums in December during a test event for the World Cup.
Visitors are prohibited from carrying alcohol into Qatar, even duty-free from the airport, and they cannot shop at the country’s only liquor store on the outskirts of Doha where foreign residents with permits Can be bought for domestic consumption.
Alcohol can be purchased by visitors to Qatar at a handful of licensed hotels and clubs, where a pint of beer can cost as much as $18.
The source said that the price of beer inside the fan zone and close to the stadium is yet to be agreed.
Earlier this year, another source close to the discussion told Reuters that alcohol prices would be capped in fan areas, pointing out that a pint of beer at the 2019 FIFA Club World Cup cost around £5. (6.55 dollars) was.
Although the document anticipates “strong demand for international beverages”, it says the main party area adjacent to FIFA’s Fan Festival will be alcohol-free, offering 70,000 fans a six kilometer “family-friendly” street carnival .
There are different rules for the sale of alcohol in football stadiums around the world. In England, alcohol is sold at stadium gatherings, but fans cannot drink it in view of the pitch, while in France none is allowed on stadium grounds.
read all breaking news, today’s fresh newswatch top videos And live TV Here.