Let’s face it, if you cannot go a few days — or even a month — without alcohol, you should have a serious conversation with the person in the mirror. Anyway, the debate about whether beer should be available to fans flying into Qatar is still raging on – and everyone seems to have something to say about it.World Cup chiefs banned beer sales around stadiums in Qatar in a stunning U-turn just 48 hours before Sunday’s kickoff. Alcohol is largely prohibited in the Islamic nation, but the organisers sparked fury from fans with their dramatic late decision. Football’s world governing body FIFA said beer would not be sold to fans around any of the eight World Cup stadiums following discussions with the hosts. It gave no reason for the surprise decision but media reports said there had been an intervention by Qatar’s ruling family. Dozens of Budweiser beer tents had already been set up at grounds ahead of the first game – but they will now have to be removed.No beer, no problem?#BBCFootball #BBCWorldCup pic.twitter.com/IzZL4fvcv2— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) November 19, 2022 Germany team official Oliver Bierhoff said on Saturday that he “could not understand the decision” to ban beer from stadium perimeters at the Qatar World Cup. Former Germany striker believes FIFA and Qatari authorities should have announced the decision earlier.”The decision is unfortunate and brings in uncertainty. Of course, beer is part of the tournament. I cannot understand the decision and especially the timing. There was enough time for that beforehand.”##NAJAVA_MECA_6824777##Germany captain Manuel Neuer acknowledged fans “do not like” the decision.”The short-term nature of the decision and the spontaneity is what the fans don’t like. It would have been better to say it from the beginning.”Somehow, a discussion about beer and football cannot go without the English. The Football Supporters’ Association greeted the news with frustration, which questioned whether the Qataris could now be trusted on their other promises.”Some fans like a beer at a match, and some don’t, but the real issue is the last-minute U-turn which speaks to a wider problem – the total lack of communication and clarity from the organising committee towards supporters. If they can change their minds on this at a moment’s notice, with no explanation, supporters will have understandable concerns about whether they will fulfil other promises relating to accommodation, transport or cultural issues.”Don’t get the beer outrage at all. Qatar is an Islamic country, alcohol is prohibited, seems fine. Having a beer is not a human right— Barney Ronay (@barneyronay) November 18, 2022 One of the guys who’ll represent England, defender Eric Dier, says that he hopes the fans can give up beer and just focus on supporting the team.”I’d like to think you can enjoy yourself without alcohol. It’s up to us to bring the entertainment. It’s up to us to bring great football. That can create a great atmosphere in the stadium.”Most locals don’t care, however. Qatar native 20-year-old Hashem Walid was not bothered about a decision that disappointed around a million fans.”I know the English fans won’t be too happy, but you don’t get everything you want in life, so I’m sorry.”But some say you can’t have a World Cup without beer. And it not some random fan who claims that. It’s the Sweden national coach Janne Andersson! During his pre-match press conference in Malmo on Friday, he was asked what he thinks about the beer ban.”It is clear that you should be able to have a beer if you are going to see a football match! I like beer, I admit it. It’s not the most important thing, but if you’re going to watch a World Cup final where you can’t have a beer – that’s completely incomprehensible to me.”Gianni Infantino on Qatar’s last-minute ban on the sale of beer at World Cup stadiums. pic.twitter.com/34xFOO6jqX— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) November 19, 2022 Enjoy your sodas and water, boys and girls!
