According to reports Qatar, which is hosting the World Cup 2022, is putting pressure on Fifa to stop selling beer in the eight stadiums.
Reports indicate that hosts Qatar are putting pressure on Fifa to ban the sale of beer at the eight World Cup venues.
Qatar has strict rules about selling alcohol, but it should be available outside of match venues and in fan zones, as well as in hotels.
Budweiser is one of FIFA’s largest sponsors, but the company was instructed on Saturday to relocate its stadium stalls to less prominent locations.
According to the Times, Qatar 2022 now wants to go even farther, and talks between FIFA and Budweiser are underway. For their take on the situation, the PA news agency has reached out to FIFA and AB InBev, the parent company of Budweiser.
AB InBev told Sky News: “AB InBev was informed on November 12 and are working with FIFA to relocate the concession outlets to locations as directet.
“We are working with FIFA to bring the best possible experience to the fans. Our focus is on delivering the best possible consumer experience under the new circumstances.”
It has also been confirmed that Fifa is charging as much as $1150 per day for hospitality packages to its “fan festival” in Qatar, where visitors can enjoy the event while escaping the scorching heat.
The fan festival, according to Gerdine Lindhout, head of experiential marketing and promotion at Fifa, is the best location to be outside of the stadium.
“It will be a multidimensional, festival-like experience. It’s not just about football, it’s about gaming, lifestyle and amazing food. We have decided to go huge in Doha.”
“It is definitely hot but there are enough areas where there is a shadow and we have enough refreshing beverages so I do not see a problem there,” she said in response to a question about the weather’s condition.
“People have to use their logical minds – and dress for the occasion. Wear your shorts, wear something light and enjoy some refreshing beverages.”
Image credit: Christopher Pike/Getty Images for Supreme Committee 2022
