World Cup ticket holders will have access to alcohol as beer is strictly sold at the FIFA Fan Festival before kick-off and after the final whistle, FIFA said in a statement sent to Doha News.
“FIFA has been committed to the experience for domestic and international fans during the FIFA World Cup 2022, including catering to those who wish to enjoy alcoholic beverages while respecting local culture,” the statement said. .
“For FIFA World Cup stadiums, ticket holders will have access to Budweiser, Budweiser Zero and Coca-Cola products within the boundaries of the stadium before kick-off and after the final whistle,” he added.
“Ticket holders inside the Stadium Bowl will have access to the full range of non-alcoholic Budweiser Zero and Coca-Cola products. At the FIFA Fan Festival, Budweiser will be available from 6:30 p.m. and Budweiser Zero and Coca-Cola products throughout the day. will be sold.”
Alcohol is now already being served in certain places in Qatar, including licensed bars and hotels.
Qatar’s World Cup, the first to be held in a Muslim country, raised the issue of alcohol. FIFA’s statement appears to dispel these concerns, emphasizing that alcohol consumption is permissible but with close jurisdiction.
While previous World Cup tournaments allowed alcohol to be served in the fan zone throughout the day, some tournaments restricted the consumption of alcohol inside stadiums.
Public drunkenness, or “drunk and disorderly” offenses, are not permitted in Qatar.
In an interview with Channel News Asia (CNA), Qatar’s Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdurrahman al-Thani earlier this month answered a question about alcohol, saying the country has designated places for those who wish to drink. rice field.
“We want them [fans] Come, enjoy football and enjoy our culture and experience. No alcohol is allowed in the stadium,” he said.
Qatar does not allow visitors or residents to bring alcohol into the country. However, only expats can purchase liquor from the Qatar Distribution Company (QDC), the only legal liquor store in the country.
The prices of alcoholic drinks in the country are considered very high compared to other countries, but Qatari officials have yet to release the prices of drinks for those attending the World Cup.
Details about the beverage will be released to the public ahead of the World Cup.
More than one million fans are expected to flock to the Gulf countries for the World Cup in November-December, with some visiting the Middle East for the first time. Tickets for flights, accommodations and hotel rooms are already taking bookings across the Gulf region.
