Doha, Europe Brief News – Qatar has banned beer at World Cup football stadiums, just two days before the opening match.
The decision comes after several changes to the rules on the consumption of alcohol caused tensions between FIFA, world football’s governing body, and the Muslim host country, where drinking in public is prohibited.
However, beer will still be available in luxury suites reserved for FIFA officials and other wealthy guests.
Qatar has faced criticism ever since it was awarded the tournament in 2010 for its treatment of migrant workers, as well as its stance on the LGBTQ+ community and women’s rights.
FIFA’s decision to award Qatar the 2022 World Cup in 2010 has been highly controversial since day one as bribery and corruption allegations dogged the bidding process.
Qatar has faced unprecedented criticism since winning the bid to host the 2022 World Cup, some of which amounted to slander, its ruler, Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, said on Tuesday.
“We initially dealt with the matter in good faith,” Sheikh Tamim said in a televised policy speech, adding that some of the early criticism was constructive.
But, he said, a campaign against Qatar expanded to “include fabrications and double standards that were so ferocious that it has unfortunately prompted many people to question the real reasons and motives behind the campaign”.
