“In the stadiums, the plans are still being finalized, but the current discussion is to allow fans to drink beer on arrival and departure from the stadium, but no beer will be served during the match, nor within the stadium environment,” he said. the source to Reuters.
In a document dated June 2 to which he had access Reuters It gives the first glimpse of how organizers plan to handle the demands of some 1.2 million soccer fans, many of whom are used to unlimited beer drinking on match days. Soccer’s relationship with alcohol has long been complicated.
Qatar expects some 1.2 million soccer fans at the World Cup
In the run-up to the 2014 World Cup, Brazil lifted the ban on consuming alcohol in stadiums, following pressure from the governing body, FIFA. Ever since the Gulf Arab country gained hosting rights in 2010, there has been a question mark over alcohol at this year’s tournament. Although not a “dry” state like neighboring Saudi Arabia, drinking alcohol in public places is illegal in Qatar. However, fans attending the World Cup in November will be able to buy beer during restricted hours in certain parts of FIFA’s main fan zone in Al Bidda Park in Doha, the Qatari capital.
Alcohol is now available in designated areas in Qatar such as hotels and bars and this will not change in 2022
“Unlike previous World Cup fan zones, beer will not be served all day, but at restricted times,” the source added. There will also be alcohol for between 15,000 and 20,000 fans in a disused corner of the Doha Golf Club., a few kilometers from the stadiums and the main fan zone, according to the document. In addition, a plot of sand surrounded by a 3-meter wall and situated between a hotel delivery entrance and a district cooling plant will be transformed into a 10,000-capacity venue that promises techno music and alcohol, shows the document. A spokesman for the organisers, the Supreme Committee for the Delivery and Legacy of Qatar, said that they together with FIFA will announce plans on the availability of alcohol at the 28-day tournament “in due course”.
“Alcohol is already available in designated areas in Qatar such as hotels and bars and this will not change in 2022. In order to cater to visiting fans in 2022, alcohol will be available in additional designated areas during the tournament,” said the spokesman.