World Cup 2022: FIFA head says fans ‘survive’ without beer in Qatar – National

FIFA president Gianni Infantino downplayed Qatar’s last-minute ban on the sale of beer at World Cup stadiums as nothing more than a temporary inconvenience to spectators.

“If this is the biggest issue, I will sign it,” Infantino said on Saturday, the day after the conservative Islamic Emirate made a sea change in a deal to secure the football tournament. I will.”

Infantino blamed the “crowd flow” in Doha for the decision, but it was because Qatar’s dictatorial government was trying to turn conservative Wahhabi citizens already angry over some of the events around the tournament. It appeared to be a soothing decision.

Infantino said the ban on beer at stadiums was jointly carried out by Qatari authorities and FIFA.

About allowing the sale of alcohol, Infantino said, “We tried to see if it was possible.” Maybe there’s a reason Scotland doesn’t allow drinking in stadiums, maybe they’re smarter than us and thought we should be. “

Spectators can drink alcoholic beer at night at the ‘FIFA Fan Festival’, a designated party area that also offers live music and activities.

The World Cup kicked off on Sunday with the opening match between hosts Qatar and Ecuador, and as Qatar pitched to host the tournament, the countries agreed to FIFA’s requirement to sell alcohol in stadiums. Announced 11 weeks before kick-off, it was moved to Friday.

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Non-alcoholic beer will continue to be sold at eight stadiums, while champagne, wine, whiskey and other alcohol will be served in the arena’s posh hospitality areas, according to FIFA.

Former World Cup hosts have been asked to make concessions.The 2014 Games forced Brazil to change laws allowing the sale of alcohol on stadiums, but the same cultural issues are irrelevant. was.

AB InBev’s contract with FIFA was renewed in 2011 after Qatar was selected as host. But the Belgium-based brewer has faced uncertainty in recent months over the exact details of where it can serve and sell its beer in Qatar.

Infantino denied that the ban on beer sales would damage his relationship with FIFA’s official beer sponsor, Budweiser.

“We have been partners for decades and look forward to becoming partners in the future,” he said. “This particular situation has brought us even closer.”

© 2022 The Canadian Press