The 2022 FIFA World Cup has been in the headlines over the past few months. While fans are excited about the mega-event that happens every four years, a lot of controversies have surrounded it. The host nation has been in the controversy on human rights issues raised by several organizations. But FIFA has decided to give the green signal to the World Cup in Qatar. There have been a lot of questions regarding hosting rights for the past decade.
Now the host nation has made it to the headlines, yet again, for banning the sale of alcohol in the stadiums. This doesn’t come as a shock to many as rumors already hinted towards an alcohol ban.
With less than three days left for the soccer mega-event, the Qatari government has put a ban on alcohol inside the stadium. Earlier this month, it was reported that FIFA is under immense pressure to agree with the ban. The reports of the ban came after the Qatari royal family requested FIFA to remove their sponsor Budweiser’s beer tents away from the stadiums.
Fans around the world are upset with the recent report of a potential alcohol ban. The host nation has very strict rules when it comes to alcohol consumption. Soccer fans took to Twitter to react to the report, calling out the host and FIFA.
Fans react to report of alcohol ban at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar
The report of the ban spread on social media like wildfire. Qatar has already been in a lot of controversies related to the World Cup. A reported ban inside the stadium has upset many fans.
Following are some of the reactions to the latest report:
The ban would be a big contractual disaster for FIFA. Budweiser is one of the global sponsors of FIFA with a deal worth €75million. With a ban, only non-alcoholic and soft drinks will be allowed inside the stadium. The major U-turn from Gianni Infantino-led FIFA and the host nation shocked the American brand, who in turn responded with a tweet: “Well, this is awkward…”
The World Cup kicks off on 20 November with host Qatar facing Ecuador in the opening game. The final of the competition will be played on 18 December, the country’s national day.