The stunning reversal, just three days before the start of the tournament, will come as a blow to England fans. 1 No liquor will be sold in StadiumsCredit: EPA But despite months of promises that beer and other alcoholic beverages would be available at all eight World Cup venues, SunSport can confirm that NO alcohol will be sold at any of them. And that means the ONLY official World Cup site where fans can grab a drink will be the official Fan Festival in Doha city center – only selling Budweiser at almost £12 for less than a pint. Until yesterday, FIFA had promised that fans could buy drinks inside the stadiums on match days, but not between kick-off and the final whistle. But that policy was scrapped after Qatar’s High Commission put pressure on FIFA – although it will cost the world governing body millions of pounds in compensation to official beer sponsor Budweiser and parent company InBev. The crackdown by the Qataris has forced FIFA into a humiliating reverse ferret – although the sponsor’s product will still be available from a single set of concession stands at the Fan Festival at Al Bidda Park. SunSport has been told that it has now been decided that only Bud Zero will be for sale at the stadiums – each meter costs around £7 – and that promises of free alcohol have been canceled with immediate effect. But this will NOT apply to the official hospitality venues, where tickets cost four figures and each box suite has been sold for around £20,000. These seats and packages are promised “a selection of drinks available according to customs and preferences. soft drinks, beers, champagne, sommelier-selected wines and premium spirits’ available ‘before, during and after matches’. PLAY OUR DREAM FANTASY FOOTBALL WORLD CUP TEAM TO WIN A SHARE OF £50,000 This will not be an option for the thousands of fans who have bought regular stadium tickets and represents a huge change that will put FIFA under huge pressure to justify itself. It is understood that Qatar’s ruling royal family has demanded the reversal, with growing resentment against efforts to impose a more cosmopolitan approach on the tournament. Earlier this week, the Qataris ordered FIFA to move some Budweiser concession stands deemed too “intrusive” to less visible locations. And after months of promises that Qatar would recognize that drinking is part of the culture of soccer fans worldwide, the sudden change will cause huge anger and disruption among traveling supporters. The standard of food in the World Cup fan zone has also been slammed – while the outrageous prices have also been questioned. If you’re interested in staying healthy while at the World Cup, a Greek salad, which doesn’t exactly look very tasty, will set you back £9. There’s also an extremely depressing plate of nachos with an average amount of guacamole distilled from a plastic bottle, which is around £4.60. The Mexican theme doesn’t stop there though, there’s also chicken quesadillas on the menu, which cost £8, the same price as a pepperoni pizza.
