The Khalifa International Stadium in Doha
(Picture: REUTERS)Qatar is to announce a ban on alcohol sales at all World Cup stadiums, sources have claimed.
A source with knowledge of the decision told Reuters that Qatar’s World Cup organisers will announce the major U-turn just two days before the tournament kicks off.
Major World Cup sponsor Budweiser had planned to sell alcoholic beer within the ticketed perimeter surrounding each of the eight stadiums, three hours before and one hour after each game.
Earlier, The Times reported the Qatari royal family had requested the alcohol ban - a move which would reportedly breach FIFA’s multimillion-dollar contract with Budweiser.
If the ban were to be enacted, fans would only be able to buy beer at fan parks and hospitality boxes inside stadiums. Alcohol is only available inside certain hotels in Doha.
The hospitality suites are priced at £19,000 at one match.
According to an advertisement for the boxes, a “selection of drinks available according to custom and preference; soft drinks, beers, champagne, sommelier-selected wines and premium spirits” which will be available before and after games.
Inside fan zones, fans will only be able to buy beer after 6.30pm and will have limits to how much they can buy at a time. It has since emerged that a 500ml glass of Budweiser costs £11.60.
