LONDON, 18 Nov. (dpa/EP) –
World Cup host country Qatar may be pressuring FIFA to completely ban the sale of beer in the eight stadiums where World Cup matches are held, British newspaper The Times has reported.
The sale of alcohol is strictly controlled in Qatar, but it must be available in the area near match stadiums and fan zones, as well as inside hotels.
Budweiser is one of FIFA’s biggest sponsors, but was asked on Saturday to move its stadium stands to less visible locations. The Times reports that Qatar wants to go even further and ban the sale of beer, sparking a tense debate between FIFA and Budweiser.
The PA news agency has contacted FIFA and the owner of Budweiser, the company AB InBev. “AB InBev was informed on November 12 and is working with FIFA to relocate the points of sale to the indicated locations,” the Belgian multinational confirmed to Sky News.
“We are working with FIFA to provide the best possible experience for fans. Our focus is to provide the best possible consumer experience in the new circumstances,” he continued.
