Qatar Will Let Fans Drink Alcohol at World Cup Games if They Pay $22K

Ordinary fans attending the World Cup in Qatar will not be able to have alcohol unless they purchase a Corporate Hospitality ticket that is worth around $22,000.

The ticket, which has a starting price of £19,000 ($22,600), grants people access to alcohol by allowing them into hospitality suites in stadiums, Football Daily reported, citing Sky News Sports chief reporter Kaveh Solhekol.

The World Cup organizers have now banned sales within stadium grounds with only 48 hours before World Cup games kick off in the Gulf state, Bloomberg reported on Friday.

Budweiser, FIFA's official partner and the beer supplier for the World Cup this year, was initially told to make its stands "less prominent" as fans began to arrive in Qatar, a Muslim nation where alcohol is restricted. Now, this decision will impact the sale of the company's beer, according to Bloomberg.

In response to the decision, Budweiser tweeted: "Well, this is awkward..."

A source briefed on the decision previously told Newsweek: "Fan Zones are all around the city, and these fan zones will be serving alcohol, as well as hotels and bars/clubs in those hotels. You can't take alcohol on the street, the same way that is true in many (most) states in the U.S. What people should expect is that they will be able to drink, if they want to, just not at the stadiums or near them. I think that makes it a much more family-friendly event."

Meanwhile, AB InBev, Budweiser's owner, had previously told Sky News: "AB InBev was informed on November 12 and are working with FIFA to relocate the concession outlets to locations as directed. 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."

FIFA confirmed in a statement on Friday that alcohol will no longer be sold at World Cup stadiums after discussions with the authorities.

"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," FIFA Media tweeted.

FIFA's media office continued: "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 organizers appreciate AB InBev's understanding and continuous support to our joint commitment to cater for everyone during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022."

Newsweek reached out for FIFA's media office for comment.