FIFA and Qatar on Friday banned the sale of beer around eight World Cup stadiums in a stunning policy U-turn, just two days before the start of the tournament.
Soccer’s world governing body said the decision was made after “discussions” with the World Cup hosts, an Islamic state that strictly prohibits alcohol consumption.
He did not give a reason for the surprise decision, but media reports suggested there was interference from Qatar’s ruling family.
The decision could affect FIFA’s deal with beer giant AB InBev, while fan groups say supporters should be concerned about other commitments made by the hosts.
A FIFA statement said only that the focus would be on alcohol fan zones, “by removing beer sales points from Qatar’s FIFA World Cup 2022 stadium premises”.
The move drew fresh criticism of Qatar, which is already under pressure over its rights record.
The Football Supporters’ Association in England said, “The real problem is the last-minute U-turn which points to a wider problem – a complete lack of communication and clarity with supporters from the organizing committee”.
“If they can change their minds on this at a moment’s notice, without explanation, supporters will have understandable concerns about whether they will fulfill other commitments on housing, transport or cultural issues.”
Dozens of beer tents were already set up in stadiums ahead of Sunday’s first match between Qatar and Ecuador.
Qatar has spent tens of billions of dollars on preparations for the World Cup and has predicted that more than one million fans will visit the country for the 29-day tournament.
But its strict cultural laws have faced international scrutiny.
Nasir al-Khattar, chief executive of the organizing committee, said in September that the availability of beer was one of the “unfair” criticisms Qatar faced.
“I think there is a misunderstanding about the sale of alcohol in the stadium,” he said at the time.
“We’re acting like any other World Cup where it’s normal and normal, and it’s no different from any other World Cup.” He said it would be “business as usual”.
FIFA earns tens of millions of dollars each year from a sponsorship deal with AB InBev, maker of Budweiser, the only beer available at official venues.
“The tournament organizers appreciate AB InBev’s understanding and continued support for our shared commitment to meet the needs of everyone during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022,” FIFA’s statement added.
Neither the organizing committee nor the Qatari government had an immediate comment.
The British newspaper said that the decision was made after the intervention of the family of Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani.
JEE News said that “members of the World Cup staff were told that the move was made after security advice” but the decision is believed to have originated with Sheikh’s brother, who is influential in day-to-day policy. Is.
The beer will be available in VIP suites at stadiums, sold by the global body, the main FIFA fan zone in Doha, some private fan zones and around 35 hotels and restaurant bars.
