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DOHA. — Alcohol will not be sold at the football World Cup’s eight stadiums in Qatar after FIFA yesterday changed its policy two days before the start of the tournament.

Alcohol was set to be served “in select areas within stadiums”, despite its sale being strictly controlled in the Muslim country.

Those in corporate areas of stadiums at the tournament will still be able to purchase alcohol.

The World Cup starts tomorrow when Qatar play Ecuador.

And alcoholic beer will now not be sold inside the perimeter of all eight World Cup stadiums in Qatar – causing a contractual nightmare for FIFA.

Non-alcoholic beer will still be sold at the 64 matches in the country.

According to the New York Times, beer has been banned inside the perimeter of all eight stadiums in a late U-turn following pressure from the Qatari officials, with a FIFA statement confirming that final decision.

The only beer that will be consistently on sale to fans at stadiums during the month-long tournament will be the non-alcoholic alternative, with an official announcement set to follow.

The report adds that the decision over beer sales was confirmed yesterday morning just two days before Qatar kick-off the tournament against Ecuador.

The update could cause strain on FIFA’s US$75million sponsorship agreement with Budweiser with the official fan guide pledging sale in-and-around grounds for at least three hours before games and an hour after.

It read: “Ticket holders will have access to Budweiser, Budweiser Zero, and Coca-Cola products within the stadium perimeter.”

The joint statement from FIFA and Qatar read: “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.

“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 organisers appreciate AB InBev’s understanding and continuous support to our joint commitment to cater for everyone during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.”

Champagne, wine, whiskey and other alcohol is still expected to be served in the luxury hospitality areas of the stadiums. Outside of those places, beer is normally the only alcohol sold to regular ticket holders.

Beer is still set to be sold in luxury suites reserved for FIFA officials and guests, a matter of days after beer tents were moved away from directly in front of stadiums.

Ab InBev, the parent company of World Cup beer sponsor Budweiser, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

AB InBev pays tens of millions of dollars at each World Cup for exclusive rights to sell beer and has already shipped the majority of its stock from Britain to Qatar in expectation of selling its product to millions of fans. The company’s partnership with FIFA started at the 1986 tournament and they are in negotiations for renewing their deal for the next World Cup in North America.

While a sudden decision like this may seem extreme in the West, Qatar is an autocracy governed by a hereditary emir, who has absolute say over all governmental decisions.

Qatar, an energy-rich Gulf Arab country, follows an ultraconservative form of Islam known as Wahhabism like neighboring Saudi Arabia. However, alcohol sales have been permitted in hotel bars for years.

Qatar’s government and its Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy did not immediately respond to request for comment.

Already, the tournament has seen Qatar change the date of the opening match only weeks before the World Cup began.

When Qatar launched its bid to host the World Cup, the country agreed to FIFA’s requirements of selling alcohol in stadiums, and again when signing contracts after winning the vote in 2010.  — BBC Sport.