World Cup beer tents moved to inconspicuous stadium areas
Qatar is moving beer stands to less prominent areas inside World Cup stadiums. Tournament organizers have made the move just days before the start of the competition in Qatar. The decision has affected all eight stadiums hosting the World Cup.
Alcohol sales at the upcoming World Cup have been a contentious issue for months. Under public pressure, tournament organizers finally softened their stance on selling alcohol back in September. Qatar, a mostly muslim country, typically has a strict alcohol sale policy. However, the country and organizers plan to sell some alcoholic beverages during the World Cup.
Nevertheless, it appears as if these organizers are attempting to make it more difficult for fans to find beer. The Budweiser-branded tents are going to less visible areas at the venues. AB InBev’s Budweiser will be the only beer brand available during the tournament.
World Cup beer provider complying with rules
“AB InBev was informed on November 12 and are working with FIFA to relocate the concession outlets to locations as directed,” the beer company, which includes Anheuser-Busch’s Budweiser, said in a statement through the Associated Press on Monday. “We are working with FIFA to bring the best possible experience to the fans.”
Qatar’s planning group for the 2022 World Cup has also chimed in on the ordeal. The Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy is finalizing operational plans, according to the groups claims.
“These plans include venue management teams enhancing overlay requirements for all competition venues,” the organization also said. “This has a direct impact on the location of certain fan areas.”
The previous World Cup in Russia displayed the Budweiser beer tents in perhaps the most prominent areas of the venues. The 2018 final held at Luzhniki Stadium, for instance, had these tents directly outside the main entrance. A statue of Lenin overlooked the beer areas as fans entered the stadium.
Qatar’s World Cup begins on Sunday, Nov. 20.
PHOTO: IMAGO / Geisser