Just two days before the start of the Football World Cup, the host nation Qatar has banned the sale of beer in World Cup stadiums, disappointing a sizable number of football fans.
It dealt a serious blow to World Cup beer sponsor Budweiser and made people wonder how much power FIFA still retains over the competition.
Following FIFA and the host nation’s announcement that sales at stadiums would not go forward, the owner of American beer juggernaut Budweiser claimed on Friday that restrictions at World Cup matches were “beyond our control”.
In the ticketed area surrounding each of the eight stadiums, Budweiser, the World Cup sponsor owned by the brewer AB InBev, was to be the only vendor of alcoholic beverages three hours before and one hour after each game.
AB InBev acknowledged the action taken merely days before the first match kickoff on Sunday, saying “some of the planned stadium activations cannot move forward due to circumstances beyond our control,” a company spokesperson said in a statement.
“Tournament organisers appreciate AB InBev’s understanding and continuous support to our joint commitment to cater for everyone during the FIFA World Cup,” the statement said.
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Imposing restrictions on the sale of bear is a sudden U-turn on part of Qatar with respect to the deal it made to secure the soccer tournament.
The action is the most recent indication of the tension surrounding hosting the event in the conservative Muslim emirate, where the sale of alcohol is severely restricted.
The event is not only a sports competition, but also a month-long party.
England’s Football Supporters’ Association said the decision raises concerns about Qatar’s ability to fulfil its promises to visiting fans on “accommodation, transport or cultural issues.”
#QatarWorldCup2022 #ToBeerOrNotToBeer pic.twitter.com/mlMfVIOW2h
— The FSA (@WeAreTheFSA) November 18, 2022
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