Alcohol ‘may be banned’ at 2022 FIFA World Cup

Qatari officials are seeking a total alcohol ban at the 2022 FIFA World Cup set to be held in Doha, reports claim.

Officials have already confirmed that alcohol will be banned from public places and are now looking to ban sale and consumption in stadiums during the football tournament, according to World Soccer.

Quoting Hassan Al Thawadi of the supreme committee for delivery and legacy, speaking in an interview with Al-Sharq, the consumer title reports alcohol will only be tolerated in “far away places”.

“We are against the provision of alcohol in stadiums and their surroundings,” said Al-Thawadi.

“I did not get into a discussion with FIFA on this matter and there has been great pressure from FIFA on Russia [hosts of the 2018 competition] to change its laws,” he said.

“But our position is clear — we will legalise according to Qatari law and commensurate with the customs and traditions.”

Alcohol consumption in Qatar is tightly restricted. Hotels can serve alcoholic drinks, however expats in the country are required to apply for licences allowing them to drink.

It is not yet clear how an alcohol ban would be managed by FIFA and major sponsors, some of which are alcoholic brands.

The drunken, disruptive behaviour of a small minority of football fans has seen clubs and organisers introduce measures to cut down consumption. Last year, Cambridge United introduced measures to breathalyse fans who “appear drunk”, with those found to be over twice the legal driving limit turned away.