UK Trend: Controversy following Qatar’s ban on the sale of alcoholic beverages in World Cup stadiums

19 November 2022

FIFA announced a sudden alteration to the World Cup 2022 regulations two days prior to the commencement of the eagerly-anticipated event; thus, alcohol will not be offered to fans at the eight World Cup stadiums in Qatar.

Alcoholic beverages will still be available for purchase in the stadiums’ corporate sections during the tournament.

History of Alcohol and World Cup

The last-minute U-turn by Qatar has ignited a heated debate among British football fans, who are outraged by the action and are requesting refunds from FIFA. They contend that alcohol consumption is an integral component of the culture surrounding football games and that the experience would be incomplete without it.

Qatar bans alcohol sales at World Cup Stadiums – a great way to piss of one of your major sponsors.

— Brian Moore (@brianmoore666) November 18, 2022

Many supporters were also infuriated by the idea that alcohol would in fact be served at games, albeit in hospitality boxes, where the cheapest suites cost about £20,000 per game!

https://twitter.com/simonharris_mbd/status/1593613441536868354?s=20&t=5OhemJqlmJsyaW9i5g9qRA

LMFAOOO… £19k for a hospitality ticket to drink alcohol in Qatar ? Sharia Law is really for the poor 💀

— Life is Good. (@PhiloeEsq) November 18, 2022

Nevertheless, a number of western fans understood and respected the decision to adhere to Qatar’s Islamic law. They maintained that viewing a game is an incredible time in and of itself, and that drinking is not required for enjoyment.

You don't need to drink alcohol to enjoy football.

Alcohol is unhealthy.

Most importantly, it's against Islamic law.

Qatar did the right thing to ban alcohol sales in compliance with their culture and religion.#Qatar2022 #WorldCup2022

— Robert Carter (@Bob_cart124) November 18, 2022

https://twitter.com/_TheGameOfLife_/status/1593575517013381122?s=20&t=5OhemJqlmJsyaW9i5g9qRA

Why are people so pressed over Qatar not serving alcohol? Would you understand Muslim fans complaining that they can't get halal food at an English ground? I've followed Reading FC up & down the country for years & never got emotional at having to just buy a twix at every ground.

— Lalo Escőbar (@razor5edge) November 18, 2022

Due to the mayhem fans cause as a result of the effects of drinking, many people also agreed with the decision and thought it was the most sensible way to ensure a pleasant world cup.

Hey Qatar, why are you banning alcohol.

Oh, we have our reasons: pic.twitter.com/WG8qlnTquZ

— Estebantz (@ActingTheGom) November 18, 2022

Who’s to blame?

Fans opposed to the ban were divided between those who held Qatar responsible and others who blamed FIFA for allowing Qatar to host the world cup and for failing to ensure Qatar maintained consistent with its decisions after initially easing its alcohol regulations to allow Budweiser.

Qatar promised alcohol and didn't deliver. That's called doing a Brexit.

— Simon Coombes (@simon_comm) November 18, 2022

I will NEVER understand those attacking Qatar for their rules, direct your anger to FIFA and not Qatar.

Drinking alcohol in Qatar has been prohibited since time immemorial, do you now expect them to break it because of the world cup???

Are you a serious human being???

— SportsDokita (Odogwu ☝️) (@Sports_Doctor2) November 18, 2022

According to Qatari citizens, this ban on alcohol sales is an example of Qatari leadership adhering to Muslim rules. For British and International fans, this was a ‘disgrace’ and allegedly ‘ruined’ the experience they had paid thousands of pounds to enjoy.