A source familiar with the plans to organize the 2022 FIFA World Cup stated that the stadiums of the World Cup will be alcohol-free, and beer will not be sold outside the stadiums except before and after some matches.
“At the stadiums, the plans are not finalised, but the current discussions are to allow fans to drink beer on arrival and when leaving the stadium, but no beer will be served during the match or inside the stadium,” the source told Archyde.com.
The 2022 World Cup is being held for the first time in an Islamic country that has strict alcohol controls, challenging organizers of an event often associated with beer drinkers and sponsored by global alcohol brands.
Archyde.com saw a document dated June 2 outlining how organizers plan to deal with the demands of an estimated 1.2 million fans who used to drink beer without restrictions on match days.
Football’s relationship with alcohol has always been difficult. In the run-up to the 2014 World Cup, Brazil lifted a ban on alcohol in stadiums after pressure from FIFA.
There has been a question mark over alcohol at this year’s tournament since the Gulf state won the hosting rights in 2010.
Although these drinks are not banned like neighboring Saudi Arabia, drinking alcohol in public is illegal in Qatar.
However, World Cup fans will be able to purchase beer during the restricted times in certain parts of the main FIFA fan zone in Al Bida Park in the capital, Doha.
The source added: “Unlike previous fan zones at the World Cup, beer will not be served all day, but at limited times.”
The document shows that alcoholic beverages will also be available to 15,000 to 20,000 fans in a deserted corner of the Doha Golf Club, a few kilometers from the stadiums and the main fan zone.
A spokesman for the Qatar Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy said that they will announce, in cooperation with FIFA, plans for the availability of alcoholic beverages in the 28-day tournament “in due course.”
He added, “Alcoholic beverages are already available in select areas in Qatar such as hotels and bars, and this will not change in 2022. In order to meet the needs of visiting fans in 2022, alcoholic beverages will be available in additional designated areas during the tournament.” The spokesperson said.