Qatar 2022: Fans demand refund after FIFA bans sale of alcohol at World Cup stadiums

In a dramatic u-turn, Qatar, which is internet hosting FIFA World Cup has banned the sale of beer and different alcoholic drinks on the World Cup stadiums simply two days earlier than the mega event begins. While soccer followers from all over the world who’ve made their method to Qatar are left disillusioned with the sudden flip by the organisers, a number of English followers have demanded a refund after this determination.

Many followers have even stated that they might not have come to Qatar, had they recognized in regards to the alcohol ban earlier. The ban at stadiums got here into pressure after the royal household of Qatar reportedly demanded a complete ban on the sale of alcohol inside stadiums in the course of the event.

Most followers have been bowled over by the ban, which got here after FIFA had beforehand assured them that regardless of the nation’s strict alcohol legal guidelines, they might be capable to buy it whereas watching the video games. Meanwhile, followers who shall be seated in company containers, the place tickets value greater than $22,450 every, will be capable to get pleasure from quite a lot of alcoholic drinks.

“Following discussions between host country authorities and FIFA, a decision has been made to focus the sale of alcoholic beverages on the FIFA Fan Festival, other fan destinations, and licensed venues, removing sales points of beer from Qatar’s FIFA World Cup 2022 stadium perimeters,” FIFA stated in its assertion.

Statement on beer gross sales at #WorldCup stadiums 🏟️ on behalf of FIFA and Host Country 🇶🇦: pic.twitter.com/o4IEhboXks

— FIFA Media (@fifamedia) November 18, 2022

The sale of Bud Zero, which is Budweiser’s nonalcoholic beer won’t be affected and shall be obtainable to followers on the World Cup stadiums. Budweiser is likely one of the official sponsors of the FIFA World Cup.

“Host country authorities and FIFA will continue to ensure that stadiums and surrounding areas provide an enjoyable, respectful, and pleasant experience for all fans,” in line with the FIFA assertion. “The tournament organizers appreciate AB InBev’s understanding and ongoing support of our joint commitment to catering for everyone during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022,” stated the event’s organizers.

The determination calls into query the event’s $75 million sponsorship by Budweiser and is prone to enrage many organisers and attending followers who’re already pissed off by the restrictions imposed by Qatar for the World Cup.

Qatar initially eased its alcohol prohibitions so as to permit Budweiser, the World Cup’s unique beer distributor since 1986, to promote its merchandise at official Qatar World Cup venues, particularly stadiums and fan zones.

In a now-deleted tweet, Budweiser’s official Twitter account responded to the beer ban and wrote, “Well this is awkward…”

Screengrab of the now-deleted tweet by Budweiser

Notably, regardless of strict controls on its sale and consumption, the Islamic nation initially consented to serve alcohol at matches and inside fan zones.

Although Qatar doesn’t fully prohibit guests from consuming alcohol, however its sale and consumption are strictly regulated. Alcohol is usually solely permitted in a number of specifically licensed motels and eating places away from avenue view.

Qatar, the controversial World Cup host

Qatar internet hosting the preferred sporting occasion has attracted criticism for the reason that determination was made in December 2010. The nation has been slammed over varied points together with human rights violations, slave labour, restrictions for followers, and its place on LGBTQs.

Recently, many Western international locations together with Germany criticized Qatar over the above-mentioned points and referred to as for the boycott of the Qatar-hosted World Cup.

HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Qatar’s Foreign Minister, reacted to the criticism by labeling the opposing international locations “arrogant” and “racists”. Speaking to the media, HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani accused Germany of ‘double standards’. He additionally reminded the people who the European international locations haven’t any drawback with Qatar on the subject of vitality partnerships or investments.

In an interview with Sky News, the minister launched an assault in opposition to critics, pro-LGBTQ activists, and human rights activists. 

HE @MBA_AlThani_ in an interview with @SkyNews :Sports mustn’t by no means be politicized.
What type of message they’re sending for their very own public if they’re simply criticizing & preaching from a distance? #MOFAQatar #Qatar2022 pic.twitter.com/n8hBvcuQ01

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Qatar (@MofaQatar_EN) November 7, 2022

LGBTQ+ rights aren’t the one drawback with Qatar internet hosting the World Cup, there have been some issues raised over the usage of “slave labour” and poor working situations within the Gulf state. Thousands have reportedly died whereas engaged on the infrastructure for the World Cup as a result of poor working situations.

However, the soccer governing physique FIFA, which has banned Russia for the Ukrainian invasion, has chosen to miss all these human rights abuses. In a current press assertion, FIFA had requested collaborating groups to deal with the sport and to not drag the sport into problems with politics and beliefs.