Qatar Slammed For Banning Beer At Budweiser-Sponsored World Cup: ‘Biggest Bait And Switch In The History Of Organized Sports!’
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Soccer fans bashed Qatar after officials decided to ban the sale of beer on Friday in and around the stadiums at the Budweiser-sponsored 2022 World Cup.
The 2022 World Cup has come under heavy criticism since FIFA announced the country would host the tournament. Qatar’s poor human rights record was discussed after many migrant workers were killed throughout the construction of the new stadiums and hotels.
Qatari officials have clashed with international journalists covering the soccer tournament. They stopped a Danish journalist from his live report and threatened to smash his camera if the TV crew did not shut off the camera. British broadcasters suggested that fans were hired to welcome the England national team to their hotel. CBS Sports analyst Grant Wahl was forced to remove a picture from his phone by Qatari security.
Now Qatar decided it was best to ban the sale of alcohol in and around the stadiums. FIFA announced the ban in a statement:
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 sales points of beer from Qatar’s FIFA World Cup 2022 stadium perimeters.
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.
The tournament organisers appreciate AB InBev’s understanding and continuous support to our joint commitment to cater for everyone during the FIFA World Cup 2022.
Social media users did not react kindly to FIFA and Qatar’s announcement.
https://twitter.com/DonnieDoesWorld/status/1593570162397028352?s=20&t=MHl0p6sSczVMe5f4tcRNWg
https://twitter.com/brendanhunting/status/1593553152388775936?s=20&t=MHl0p6sSczVMe5f4tcRNWg
https://twitter.com/SeamusHughes/status/1593576095177211904?s=20&t=MHl0p6sSczVMe5f4tcRNWg
https://twitter.com/susie_mccabe/status/1593571731435929602?s=20&t=MHl0p6sSczVMe5f4tcRNWg
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