The organizers behind the World Cup in Qatar have banned the sale of alcohol within stadium grounds, dramatically reversing a decision to allow Anheuser-Busch InBev NV to sell Budweiser beer, APA reports citing Bloomberg.
The decision will likely result in moving concession stands serving alcohol even further away from the stadiums. The tournament, typically the world’s largest sporting event and a decade in the planning, kicks off Sunday with the hosts taking on Ecuador.
The move is an about-face from Qatar’s previous position. The Supreme Committee on Delivery and Legacy had promised alcohol would be available in designated “fan zones” outside stadiums and other hospitality venues and had allowed beer to be consumed in specific spots inside venues.
FIFA, which gets millions of dollars from AB InBev for exclusive rights to sell Budweiser at the World Cup, confirmed alcohol would only be allowed in fan zones and not within stadiums. “The tournament organizers appreciate AB InBev’s understanding,” FIFA said in a tweet.
“Some of the planned stadium activations cannot move forward due to circumstances beyond our control,” an AB InBev spokesperson said. FIFA and AB InBev have previously said they’re trying to create an atmosphere that’s “respectful” toward Qatar’s customs and traditions while making alcohol available for those who want it.
Follow us on Telegram
t.me/apanewsaz
Follow us on Instagram
Follow us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
