The ‘England Fans May Have To Stump Up £19,000 To Avoid Qatar World Cup ‘Beer Ban’ International football fans have the option to exploit an expensive method to avoid a potential beer ban at Qatar World Cup stadia. Tournament organizers are supposedly piling pressure on FIFA with a number of grey areas still to be resolved over the sale of alcohol, which could make life difficult for some England fans who have already made the journey.
England Fans May Have To Stump Up £19,000 To Avoid Qatar World Cup ‘Beer Ban’
The relationship between alcohol and football was always likely to change during the 2022 World Cup, with Qatar a ‘dry’ nation. Beer is normally available only in certain hotels that charge a premium price.
In the lead-up to the tournament, Qatari chiefs had hinted that laws would be relaxed during the four-week period, making alcohol more accessible and affordable. But with kick-off creeping closer, The Times claims that the country’s royal family has had a change of heart and they now insist that FIFA restrict the availability of beer at stadiums.
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As it stands, the only place supporters will be able to get hold of a beer is at a designated fan park, where Budweiser has already disclosed that a 500ml drink will set fans back a whopping £11.60.
As FIFA supposedly discuss with Budweiser whether they are able to comply with Qatar’s request, a complete ban on acquiring beer in stadia for the 2022 World Cup could be avoided with an expensive solution that may only be within reach for the tournament’s wealthiest visitors.
Fans Get Hospitality Suite
For just under £19,000, fans can get hold of a hospitality suite that will be exempt from any potential restrictions on alcohol. Hospitality suppliers, MATCH, have already stated that their service will not be affected by late rule changes.
The luxury suites advertise a range of drinks that will be available before, during, and after matches including beer, Champagne, sommelier-selected wine, and premium spirits. It remains to be seen whether FIFA cave into the pressure and comply with the stadium ban on beer, despite being bound by a multi-million dollar Budweiser contract.
The build-up to the Qatar World Cup has been shrouded in controversy while there are various reports of deadlines on building projects going down to the wire. Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter raised eyebrows last week by claiming that awarding the 2022 tournament to the small, Middle-Eastern nation was a ‘mistake’.
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