The official England fan group attacked the ban on the sale of beer at World Cup grounds.
The statement came after it emerged the authorities in Qatar had made a last-minute decision not to sell any booze at the eight World Cup venues. It was ratified and agreed by FIFA on Friday - just 48 hours before the opening game between the host nation and Ecuador.
The Football Supporters’ Association, which represents around 60,000 England fans and fan groups, said: “Some fans like a beer at the match, and some don’t, but the real issue is the last minute u-turn which speaks to a wider problem – the total lack of communication and clarity from the organising committee towards supporters.
“If they can change their minds on this at a moment’s notice, with no explanation, supporters will have understandable concerns about whether they will fulfil other promises relating to accommodation, transport or cultural issues.”
Thousands of Aussies, Germans, Brazilians and Argentinians have started to arrive in Doha for the tournament, with England's first game against Iran on Monday.
Daniel Schwestka, 30, of Dusseldorf, said: "Football without beer is not football. Even in League Three in Germany you can enjoy the game with a beer. This is not normal."
Simon Whitney, 50, at the tournament with Steve Mifsud, 39, from Sydney, added: "You need a beer in this heat. But we will have to make do with water."
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Some England fans arriving here defended the move, and attacked media coverage of the tournament so far. One, who did not wish to be named, said: "If you come to my country, you would expect to follow my customs. If you came into my house as a guest, I would ask you to take your shoes off. You respect people's customs."
Another added: "We do not believe the coverage so far has been fair." One Brit ex-pat based in Doha said: "We have been asked by our employer not to say anything negative about Qatar."
FIFA said: "A decision has been made to focus the sale of alcoholic beverages on the fan festival and other fun destinations and licensed venues, removing sales points of beer from Qatar's Fifa World Cup stadium perimeters. Bud Zero will remain for sale at all stadiums.
"We will continue to ensure that all stadiums and surrounding areas provide an enjoyable and respectful environment." They added that Budweiser had supported the move."
