Qatar World Cup: FIFA, tournament organisers agree to serve alcoholic beer at matches

Organisers of the World Cup in Qatar have finalised a policy to serve beer with alcohol to soccer fans at stadiums and fan zones in the Muslim-majority country.

FIFA said Saturday fans will be allowed to buy Budweiser beer with alcohol within the eight stadium compounds — though not at concourse concession stands — before and after games, and during evenings only at the official «Fan Festival.» That is being held in a downtown Doha park.

Game tickets promising access to champagne, wine, liquor and beer for hospitality clients at Qatari stadiums have been on sale since February 2021 as part of corporate packages offering «premium beverages.»

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The beer policy affecting most fans was announced just 11 weeks before the first game and finally fulfills an expectation since Qatar campaigned 12 years ago to be the first World Cup host in the Middle East.

Budweiser has been the exclusive World Cup beer brand since 1986 and parent company AB InBev renewed its deal through 2022 with FIFA in a 2011 signing after Qatar was confirmed as host.

FIFA said Saturday that Budweiser with alcohol will be sold «within the stadium perimeter prior to kickoff and after the final whistle.»

«Inside the stadium bowl ticket holders will have access to non-alcoholic Budweiser Zero,» soccer's world body said. «At the FIFA Fan Festival, Budweiser will be available to purchase from 6.30 p.m.»

Qatar's organising committee and AB InBev declined comment Saturday on the issue.

Alcohol is more available in Qatar than some Middle East states though it is served only in hotel restaurants and bars that have licenses. It is illegal to consume it elsewhere.

Sti