November 17 – World Cup organisers have once again changed their beer plans. After moving vending stalls out of sight, the price for a can if Budweiser will cost 50 Qatari riyals (£12.50) inside the main fan zone.
The World Cup is traditionally a beer-soaked event, but in Qatar, a strict Muslim country, fans could struggle to get their fill as organisers have set steep prices and imposed a limit of four units per person (a can counts as two units).
It’s the first time the World Cup will be staged in the Middle East and in Qatar – not a dry state like Saudi Arabia – consumption of alcohol is limited to upscale hotels. It’s outlawed in public places.
Qatar first experimented with selling alcohol at a major football tournament when it hosted the FIFA Club World Cup in 2019. The fan zone was far removed from the city centre and took roughly 45 minutes to travel to. “We recognise there is an issue with price,” said Qatar 2022 Chief Executive Nasser Al Khater at the time.
But tournament organisers have now reneged on their promise of affordable beer prices. FIFA sponsor Budweiser said that alcohol will be limited to a “maximum purchase of four Budweiser units per person”. Supporters were also told to ‘Drink wiser, cheer better, hydrate between Buds.’.
The American beer brand has exclusive rights to sell beer at the finals and will serve its products at the 40,000 capacity Fan Fest in central Doha’s Al Bidda Park. It said: “Budweiser is proud to be served in compliance with the local rules and regulations by FIFA’s appointed concessionaire.”
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