FIFA 2022: Blow to footfall fans, Qatar bans beer at stadiums; imposes restrictions on visitors’ clothing

New Delhi: Qatar is all decked-up and ready for the month-long carnival with lakhs of soccer fans descending to the Middle-East country for watching top football teams clashing for the World Cup title at eight state-of-the art stadiums.

Plethora of arrangements have been put in place for making the visitors’ stay in Qatar, comfortable & luxurious, however, last-minute ‘oppressive’ changes have come as a blow to the soccer fans.

Beer, an alcoholic drink almost synonymous with the sport, has been banned at all Qatar stadiums, reports said. The move assumes significance because the tournament has got big sponsors from big beverage & beer brewing brands. Imposing a blanket ban on beer may not just leave the sponsors irked & upset but will also be a body blow to fans.

Though, other reports suggest that a final call is yet to be taken. Top sources claim that plans are afoot to arrange beer at arrival and departure from the stadium but it won’t be served during the match.

This is being discussed by the organizers, in a bid to keep the audience descending to the Middle East country as they fear that a blanket ban would lead to losing out on estimated 1.2 million soccer fans.

This is for the first time FIFA is organizing the World Cup tournament in an Islamic country.

In other arbitrary decision, the Qatar administration has imposed restrictions on clothing of men & women when in Doha. It has barred people especially women from wearing revealing clothes. Removing of shirts is now allowed in the stadiums, also swimwear is not allowed in hotels & swimming pools.

“Visitors (men as well as women) are expected to show respect for local culture by avoiding excessively revealing clothes in public. It is generally recommended for men and women to ensure their shoulders and knees are covered,” a statement by Qatar Tourism on their website.