Qatari authorities are determined to host an alcohol-free world cup, with beer sales outside arenas only allowed before and after some matches.
Okay.ng recalls that a ban had been placed earlier on extramarital sexual relations during the sporting event scheduled to begin on 21 November 2022.
A source had revealed that:
‘At stadiums, the plans are still being finalised, but the current discussion is to allow fans to have beer upon arrival and when leaving stadium, but beer won’t be served during the match or inside the stadium bowl.’
Another source added that:
‘Unlike previous World Cup fan zones, beer won’t be served all day long, but at restricted times.’
An estimated 1.2 million people are expected to travel to Qatar for the tournament, which normally features fans drinking across host cities.
This year’s World Cup is the first to be held in a Muslim country with strict controls on alcohol, presenting unique challenges for organisers of an event often associated with beer drinking fans and sponsored by global brewing brands.