World Cup beer U-turn raises questions about how much Qatar's word can be relied on
For English supporters, it is less about the inability to buy a drink - unless now it is alcohol-free Budweiser - but how much Qatar's word can be relied on when there are concerns about the welcome for LGBT fans.
Friday 18 November 2022 13:22, UK
When Qatar shocked football to win the World Cup bid, the availability of alcohol for fans was one of the big issues.
The then-Premier League chairman Sir Dave Richards memorably said on a visit to Qatar in 2012: "We have a culture. We call it, 'We would like to go for a pint, and that pint is a pint of beer.'"
He was then filmed falling into a Doha water feature.
Such Anglocentric concerns - and those of FIFA sponsor Budweiser about the availability of alcohol - were always dismissed by Qataris.
They indicated beer could be bought at World Cup stadiums.
But it was only a couple of months before the tournament opening that the policy was finally confirmed - with sales allowed before and after matches in the outer perimeter of the stadium.
Then, six days before kick-off, the goalposts moved again. Budweiser's stalls were moved last weekend at the eight Qatar stadiums to less prominent positions where families might be buying refreshments.
But clearly the sale of any alcohol for the first time at stadiums in Qatar was causing concern for the ruling family in this conservative Muslim nation.
Two days from kick-off at the first Middle East World Cup came the decision - characterised as being in conjunction with FIFA - that alcohol sales would be completely banned at games but not fan zones or bars.
A source briefed on the decision told Sky News: "The thinking was that, for many fans, the presence of alcohol would not create an enjoyable experience."
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For English supporters, it is less about the inability to buy a drink - unless now it is alcohol-free Budweiser - but how much Qatar's word can be relied on when there are concerns about the welcome for LGBT fans.
The Football Supporters' Association said: "If they can change their minds on this at a moment's notice, with no explanation, supporters will have understandable concerns about whether they will fulfil other promises relating to accommodation, transport or cultural issues."
The Qatari decision is a blow to Budweiser and its £60m+ sponsorship.
But the winners are still those in corporate hospitality at stadiums. They will still be allowed to drink alcohol during the next month of matches.