FIFA calls on Qatar to allow alcohol sales in World Cup 2022 stadiums

Hundreds of people take a photo as the official logo of the ‘FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022’ is reflected on a wall in Doha, Qatar on 3 September 2019 [Mohammed Dabbous/Anadolu Agency]

The international football association FIFA is pressuring Qatar to allow alcohol sales in stadiums during the 2022 World Cup.

Bloomberg quoted informed sources as saying that Qatari officials were “weighing whether to relax the country’s ban on alcohol at sporting events,” noting that the deliberations were centered on whether to allow lower-alcohol products inside the venues.

“Qatari officials have yet to announce a final decision, organizers have signaled increasing willingness to accommodate demands from fans as the tournament’s drawn closer,” the sources added.

Alcohol availability during the upcoming tournament has been a particular flashpoint for criticism around FIFA’s decision to hold the global event in a Muslim country.

Qatar prohibits alcohol sales at almost all restaurants not associated with a high-end hotel or resort. With employer permission, foreign residents can also buy bottles of liquor, beer and wine for home consumption from a single Qatar Airways-run depot on the outskirts of the capital, Doha.

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