Qatar - Many soccer fans throughout the world enjoy the habit of drinking alcohol prior to, during, and after games. However, alcohol is not as easily accessible in Qatar 2022.
Due to FIFA's confirmation of an alcohol prohibition at the eight stadiums hosting the 2022 World Cup two days before to the tournament's commencement, this is the case.
While some fans applauded the move, others, like English student Arnov Paul-Choudhury, 21, who is 21 years old, were left perplexed and unhappy.
"You need to be allowed to drink around the stadium because it's the World Cup and football," Paul-Choudhury said to CNN Sport in Doha on the day of the announcement. Simply said, "I just don't think they're trying hard enough to draw in supporters."
Gianni Infantino, the president of FIFA, disagreed, stating that supporters could go "three hours a day" without drinking, and, generally speaking, he was right.
After the World Cup began, CNN spoke to several fans about the alcohol restriction, and they didn't appear to be too bothered by it or the lack of it at the stadiums.
Nick Cottrill, an England supporter, said to CNN at the FIFA Fan Festival, "I'd typically have a few beers, but I believe everyone is just getting on with it."
"Everyone here is simply really joyful, when at home there is so much negativity. Everything is operating very smoothly, said Cottrill, who was in Qatar with his father, Gary.
Argentina fans enjoy the atmosphere at the Souq Waqif in Doha.
Sourcing alcohol
Since Qatar was chosen to host the World Cup 12 years ago, the sale and use of alcohol has been a very divisive topic.
The Muslim nation is seen as being extremely conservative, and alcohol sales and usage are strictly regulated.
Being intoxicated in public is against the law in Qatar, and offenders risk legal repercussions.
Drinking in public places could result in a prison sentence of up to six months and/or a fine of up to 3,000 Qatari Rials ($824), according to UK government travel advice for Qatar.
Qatar had announced in September that it will allow ticketed soccer fans to purchase alcoholic beverages at World Cup games beginning three hours before kickoff and continuing for one hour after the final whistle, but not during the game itself.
Then, two days prior to the opening game, FIFA announced that no alcohol will be served in the stadiums hosting the 64 games of the tournament. FIFA announced in a statement that only certain fan parks and other locations with permits will offer alcohol in the Doha area.
Even yet, there are still some fans who can pay to drink during games. Supporters can purchase a match hospitality package for a range of amenities, including alcohol, at rates ranging from $950 to $4,950 per match.
Fans of Japan drink alcohol free beer during a match at Qatar 2022.
Between 7 p.m. and 1 a.m., Budweiser beer is also sold at the FIFA Fan Festival, so those who wish to drink can do so without any problem.
However, many World Cup attendees who travelled great distances to be in Qatar didn't do so to replenish their supply of booze.
Deya Banisakher, a 30-year-old US supporter, told CNN, "That's not what we're here for."
Along with his companion Mireya Jurado, Banisakher is in Doha to see the US Men's National Team (USMNT).
The pair claims, like many others, that the prohibitions against drinking in public places have had little to no effect on their trip.
The FIFA Fan Festival site in Doha serves beer after 7 p.m.
"We're here to take in the culture and watch football games. The building design is exquisite. We're enjoying ourselves a lot, said Jurado.
In the capital of Qatar, there is a noticeable sense of family, with supporters taking advantage of the city when they aren't watching games.
The Souq Waqif neighbourhood in central Doha is a favourite among supporters and is regularly crowded with thousands of people cheering on various teams. Even though fans are sometimes crowded into small spaces, conversations are always cordial.
Source : https://edition.cnn.com/2022/11/30/football/alcohol-world-cup-fans-qatar-2022-spt-intl/index.html
Thanks Sir