‘Well, This Is Awkward’: Beer Banned From Qatar World Cup Stadiums After Last-Minute U-Turn
ForbesFEB 22 2023
Just two days before the start of the World Cup, Qatari officials have decided to prohibit the sale of alcoholic beer at games during the month-long event.
Soccer’s world governing body, FIFA, confirmed that alcohol won't be sold at the eight stadiums that host the tournament’s 64 matches, which run from Nov. 20 - Dec. 18.
England's Football Supporters' Association said the decision raises concerns about Qatar's ability to fulfill its promises to visiting fans on "accommodation, transport, or cultural issues," criticizing the last-minute nature of the decision.
The Qatari leadership is outdoing itself in terms of creating bad press for the country. Besides the fact that beer is a near essential for football matches, the last-minute decision is inconsiderate to fans, FIFA, and advertisers. This sort of lack of communication won't do Qatar any favors, especially considering the country's controversial treatment of LGBTQ+ people and migrant workers.
The West continues to apply a double standard to Muslim Arab nations, as countries like France — notorious for its racism, xenophobia, and anti-Muslim sentiments — have the nerve to criticize Qatar while ignoring its own prejudice. Qatar is a conservative country, and all it asks is for visitors to respect that.