Beer gross sales banned at World Cup stadiums in Qatar, FIFA says

LONDON — The sale of beer and different alcoholic drinks on the 2022 World Cup stadiums in Qatar was banned on Friday, simply two days earlier than the worldwide soccer event kicks off.

Non-alcoholic beer will nonetheless be bought to followers on the eight stadiums in the course of the 64 matches. The choice was confirmed by FIFA, the event’s proprietor.

“Following discussions between host nation authorities and FIFA, a choice has been made to focus the sale of alcoholic drinks on the FIFA Fan Competition, different fan locations and licensed venues, eradicating gross sales factors of beer from Qatar’s FIFA World Cup 2022 stadium perimeters,” FIFA mentioned in a press release Friday. “There isn’t any impression to the sale of Bud Zero which is able to stay accessible in any respect Qatar’s World Cup stadiums.”

A spokesperson for Anheuser-Busch InBev, the mum or dad firm of World Cup beer sponsor Budweiser, instructed ABC Information in a press release on Friday, when requested for remark: “As companions of FIFA for over three many years, we look ahead to our activations of FIFA World Cup campaigns world wide to have fun soccer with our shoppers. Among the deliberate stadium activations can’t transfer ahead because of circumstances past our management.”

The Related Press reported that Champagne, wine, whiskey and different alcohol continues to be anticipated to be served within the luxurious hospitality areas of the stadiums. Outdoors of these areas, beer is often the one alcohol bought to common ticket holders.

“Host nation authorities and FIFA will proceed to make sure that the stadiums and surrounding areas present an satisfying, respectful and nice expertise for all followers,” FIFA mentioned. “The event organisers respect AB InBev’s understanding and steady assist to our joint dedication to cater for everybody in the course of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.”

The Qatari authorities and its Supreme Committee for Supply and Legacy, which is chargeable for overseeing all building and infrastructure tasks for the 2022 World Cup, didn’t instantly reply to ABC Information’ requests for touch upon Friday.