Today, Friday, the International Federation of Football Associations (FIFA) announced a ban on the sale of alcoholic beverages to fans in the vicinity of the eight stadiums of the Qatar 2022 World Cup, which begins on Sunday, after “discussions” with the host country.
FIFA did not indicate the reason behind this sudden decision, pointing out in its statement that the sale of alcoholic beverages will be limited only to fan areas, with "the removal of beer sales centers from the vicinity of the 2022 World Cup stadiums in Qatar."
And the FIFA statement added in Arabic on its official website that, “Following discussions that took place between the authorities in the host country and FIFA, a decision was taken to concentrate the sale of alcoholic beverages inside the Fan Festival and other spaces designated for fans and facilities that have a license to do so.”
Statement on beer sales at #WorldCup stadiums 🏟️ on behalf of FIFA and Host Country 🇶🇦: pic.twitter.com/o4IEhboXks
- FIFA Media (@fifamedia) November 18, 2022
"The host country and FIFA will continue to work to ensure that stadiums and their adjacent areas are fun and respectful spaces for all fans and provide a pleasant experience for all," FIFA added.
Khaled Al-Nama, media official at the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy, re-tweeted FIFA banning the circulation of alcoholic beverages, adding, "The FIFA Festival for the masses (at specific times) is excluded."
Officially, banning the sale and circulation of alcoholic beverages in the stadiums of the Qatar World Cup 2022 and their surroundings, and limiting themselves to non-alcoholic beverages.
The FIFA Fan Festival is excluded (at specific times) https://t.co/DlWo1aQwZx
- Khaled Al-Nama (@alnaamak) November 18, 2022