England fans will be delighted if there is a last-minute change of heart so they can have a pint as they support Gareth Southgate’s team. Bosses are discussing whether they could allow Bud Light to be sold
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World Cup bosses are hoping to persuade Qatari officials to let football fans have a beer during matches.
Booze is strictly forbidden in stadiums in the Gulf state – where alcohol is allowed, but being drunk in public is a crime.
Brewer Anheuser-Busch InBev NV – which makes beers such as Budweiser and Corona – is a major FIFA sponsor and wants its products to be available at the tournament in November.
So far Qatar’s Supreme Committee on Delivery and Legacy has promised alcohol will only be available in “fan zones”.
But FIFA is trying to persuade the committee to allow Bud Light, which has an alcohol content of 3.5%, or another low-alcohol beer to be sold inside stadiums.
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England fans – along with Scotland and Wales fans, if they qualify – will be delighted if there is a last-minute change of heart so they can watch matches with a beer in hand. It will also be something of a novelty as alcohol is not allowed inside UK stadiums, only in the concourses outside.
FIFA said it was trying to create an atmosphere that was “respectful” to Qatar’s customs, while still making alcohol available for those who wanted it.
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An Anheuser spokesman said: “For many around the world, having a beer is part of the shared fan experience of enjoying major sports events.”
Qatar’s Supreme Committee on Delivery and Legacy said it was working with FIFA and Qatari stakeholders to “cater to all local and visiting fans”.
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