FIFA and Qatar on Friday banned beer sales around the eight World Cup stadiums in a stunning policy U-turn just two days before the start of the world’s greatest tournament, reports NDTV.
Football’s world governing body said the decision was taken following “discussions” with the World Cup hosts, an Islamic state which severely restricts alcohol consumption.
The decision could affect FIFA's deal with major sponsor beer-maker AB InBev, while fan groups said supporters should be concerned for other promises made by the hosts.A FIFA statement said only that alcohol would be focused on fan zones, “removing sales points of beer from Qatar's FIFA World Cup 2022 stadium perimeters.”
The move brought new criticism of Qatar, already under pressure over its rights record.
Bd-pratidin English/Tanvir Raihan
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