Qatar reverses course, bans alcohol at World Cup
Budweiser had obtained exclusive rights to sell beer in the stadiums, but can now sell it only in luxury boxes.
Alcohol will not be available at World Cup stadiums in Qatar after all.
What happened: The International Association Football Federation (FIFA), issued a statement today saying that alcohol will not be available at the Doha stadiums hosting World Cup matches. Booze will only be available at “licensed venues” and the FIFA Fan Festival as well as other unspecified “fan destinations,” per the press release.
The FIFA Fan Festival involves viewing parties in World Cup host cities.
The decision followed "discussions between host country authorities and FIFA." It's a reversal for the World Cup, which is being held for the first time in the Middle East. The previous plan was to allow beer to be sold in the stadiums.
