Outrage as Qatari officials ban alcohol for 2022 World Cup

Football fans have slammed FIFA after discovering they will not be allowed to drink alcohol at the Qatar World Cup.


Qatari officials are banning alcohol consumption in the streets or public places in Doha, the country’s capital, where the tournament will be held in 2022.

Fans set to head to Doha for the competition now fear the ban will be extended to stadiums.
Hassan Al-Thawadi, from the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy, said alcohol will only be allowed in “far-away places”.

He said: “There will be no alcohol consumption on the streets, squares and public places and that is final.

“Availability of alcohol during the tournament will commensurate with our customs and traditions. Personally, I’m against the provision of alcohol in stadiums.”

The announcement has sparked outrage among football fans, who have already hit out at FIFA for moving the 2022 World Cup from its usual slot in June and July to November and December to avoid scorching temperatures in Qatar.

Although alcohol is not illegal in Qatar, sales are heavily controlled and boozing in public is an offence.

But FIFA may put up a fight if Qatari officials try to ban alcohol in stadiums.

During the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, FIFA gave in to pressure from its sponsor Budweiser to sell alcohol at its stadiums.