The last-minute stadium beer ban will not affect football fans who have paid for expensive hospitality suites at the Qatar World Cup.
It comes just two days after the country’s stadiums were prohibited from selling alcohol.
Initially, fans were supposed to be able to purchase Budweiser – a tournament sponsor – within each of the eight World Cup stadiums, but a last-minute change means alcohol cannot be consumed within stadium perimeters.
Fans will be able to consume alcohol in designated fan zones.
However, it has been revealed that the only people exempt from the stadium alcohol ban will be those who have purchased expensive corporate hospitality.
MATCH Hospitality, the official hospitality provider for the FIFA World Cup 2022, confirmed that the ban will not affect its hospitality suites.
“Please note that those in corporate areas of the stadiums, which include official hospitality spaces, will be served alcohol as per the product inclusions of the product purchased,” it said in a statement.
According to reports, over 240,000 hospitality packages ranging in luxury and price have been sold. According to Metro, one suite that can accommodate 44 people sold for £2.1 million.
Glass-fronted boxes, access to stadium seats, a dedicated concierge, live chef stations, and multi-course menus are some of the benefits of corporate hospitality packages.
MATCH Hospitality also provides ‘MATCH House,’ a venue where people can watch live-streamed matches for specific games without having to pay for a suite, and which includes beer and wine.
Packages for the venue, which is located on the FIFA Fan Festival grounds, can be booked by game and range from $450 to $1,145 per person.
The alcohol ban in stadiums is thought to have been imposed in response to pressure from Qatar’s rulers, including the Gulf state’s Emir, and is said to have resulted in crisis talks between FIFA and Budweiser’s beer brewer, AB In-Bev.
The last-minute U-turn sparked anger from the Football Supporters’ Association, who accused organisers of a “total lack of communication”.
“Some fans like a beer at a game and some don’t, but the real issue is the last minute U-turn which speaks to a wider problem – the total lack of communication and clarity from the organising committee towards supporters,” a spokesperson said.
“If they can change their minds on this at a moment’s notice, with no explanation, supporters will have understandable concerns about whether they will fulfil other promises relating to accommodation, transport or cultural issues.”
“Following discussions between host country authorities and FIFA, a decision has been made to focus the sale of alcoholic beverages on the FIFA Fan Festival, other fan destinations, and licensed venues, removing beer sales points from Qatar’s FIFA World Cup 2022 stadium perimeters,” FIFA said in a statement.
“There is no impact to the sale of Bud Zero which will remain available at all Qatar’s World Cup stadiums.
“Host country authorities and FIFA will continue to ensure that the stadiums and surrounding areas provide an enjoyable, respectful, and pleasant experience for all fans.”
England goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale said shortly after the news broke that he believed traveling fans would find a way to enjoy themselves despite the ban.
“Hopefully, with them not being able to drink we can perform on the pitch to give them that excitement and buzz. But we also have to respect the rules and continue to work, we will put pressure on ourselves to entertain from the football pitch.”
