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In a significant development, organisers of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar have decided to keep stadium premises alcohol-free, with beer sales outside arenas that will only be allowed before and after the matches. According to sources, spectators will only be served beer upon arrival and while leaving, but the drink will be strictly prohibited during the match or inside the stadium.
According to a source-based report, alcohol will be available for sale to fans in a corner of the Doha Golf Club, which is several Kilometers away from the World Cup stadiums and main fan zone. A source close to the development told Reuters that the plans are still being finalised but the current discussion is to allow fans to not have a beer during match hours. Reports have further claimed that official sponsor Budweiser was never too happy with Qatar being the host of the marquee event, and reportedly questioned FIFA for awarding the hosting rights to Qatar back in 2010.
The Reuters report has further informed that FIFA had been lobbying to allow in-stadium drinking, as earlier it did with Brazil despite poor behavior from fans.
Commenting on the development, the spokesperson for the organisers, Qatar's Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy have stated that they are coordinating with FIFA over the same and soon they will announce the plans on the availability of alcohol.
"It's not like alcohol is banned in the country. It's available in designated areas and it will be allowed in the areas like hotels, and bars. To cater for the visiting fans in 2022, alcohol will be available in additional designated areas during the tournament," the spokesperson added.
Earlier, Daily Star reported that the Qatar World Cup officials have decided to bar fans from having one-night stands from the day the World Cup kicks off in November. Quoting a police source, the news portal stated, "Sex is very much off the menu unless you accompany your spouse. There definitely will be no one-night stands at this tournament."
The news further warned fans from partying during the World Cup, unless they want to risk their life with stringent punishment in prison. Notably, sex outside marriage is illegal in Qatar and on found guilty, culprits can be jailed for up to seven years.