Qatar's DOHA — Beer sales at the eight World Cup stadiums in Qatar would be prohibited, FIFA announced two days before the start of the biggest athletic event in history.
The decision was reached "after consultations between host country authorities and FIFA," according to a statement from FIFA.
Why Qatar is a contentious World Cup host, MIDDLE EAST
Why Qatar is a contentious World Cup host
Sales are still allowed at licensed fan activities and in-stadium opulent suites that also sell alcohol, wine, and specially crafted World Cup 2022 champagne.
The decision, according to FIFA, will guarantee that "all fans have a joyful, respectful, and pleasant experience in the stadiums and surrounding areas."
In Qatar, a country in the Persian Gulf rich in petroleum and home to a Wahhabi community that practices a stringent interpretation of Islam, alcohol sales are rigorously regulated. Alcohol use in public is restricted to specific hotels and eateries.
The World Cup is being held in the Middle East for the first time since it began in 1930, and the selling of alcohol within the stadiums has been the subject of lengthy negotiations between Qatar and FIFA.
When Qatar earned the right to host the games in 2010, it initially committed to allowing alcohol sales, and it reiterated that vow when it signed the deal. FIFA and Qatar agreed to allow beer sales inside stadiums but not at concession stands in September. The regulation became more stringent last week when the alcohol stands were relocated to even less noticeable locations outside the stadium perimeters, forcing many spectators to walk far from the action in order to make a purchase.
Former FIFA president claims it was a mistake to choose Qatar to host the World Cup.
Fans and commentators are concerned that FIFA doesn't have complete control because of the decision to limit alcohol sales.
Tens of millions of dollars have been paid by Budweiser to get the title of official booze sponsor for World Cup tournaments.
In a tweet that was shortly deleted, Budweiser remarked, "Well, this is embarrassing."
According to FIFA, all World Cup venues will still sell Budweiser's non-alcoholic Bud Zero.
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