World Cup chiefs on Friday banned beer sales around stadiums in a stunning U-turn just two days before kickoff as Cristiano Ronaldo prepared to jet in to Qatar.
Alcohol is largely prohibited in the Islamic nation but the
organisers sparked anger from fans with their dramatic 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.
“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,” FIFA said in a statement.
Dozens of Budweiser beer tents had already been set up at
grounds ahead of the first game on Sunday between Qatar and Ecuador.
The host nation has predicted that more than one million
fans will visit the country for the 29-day tournament and FIFA has had a
longstanding sponsorship deal with Budweiser, which is owned by drinks giant AB
InBev.
Beer will remain available in VIP suites in stadiums, in
some fan zones and in some hotel and restaurant bars.
The Football Supporters’ Association, which represents fans
from England and Wales, criticised the move, saying it was symptomatic of a
“total lack of communication” with supporters from the organisers.
“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,” it said in a statement.
Ronaldo arrives
Ronaldo is set to become the latest global superstar to land
in Qatar after his explosive tirade against his club Manchester United.
The Portugal forward, who has dominated global football for
the past 15 years alongside Argentina’s Lionel Messi, will be playing in his
fifth and likely final World Cup.
The 37-year-old, who has a world-record 117 international
goals, is aiming to become the first man to score in five World Cups.
But his arrival in Doha will be overshadowed by an
astonishing outburst against United, in which he said he felt “betrayed” by the
club and had no respect for manager Erik ten Hag.
The forward, who has more than 800 goals for club and
country, appears headed for the Old Trafford exit door but will be desperate to
show potential suitors he can still deliver on the biggest stage.
Earlier this week he pledged “total and absolute focus on
the work of the national team” along with a photo of himself and some of his
international team-mates on social media.
Manchester United issued a fresh statement on Friday, saying
the club had “initiated appropriate steps in response to Cristiano Ronaldo’s
recent media interview”.
“We will not be making further comment until this process
reaches its conclusion,” the club added.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner missed Portugal’s 4-0
demolition of Nigeria in a friendly on Thursday with illness but will hope to
be fit for their opening match against Ghana in Qatar on November 24.
The Euro 2016 champions will also face Uruguay and South
Korea in Qatar.
Messi, 35, is also likely featuring at his final World Cup,
as the curtain starts to come down on an era of astonishing dominance from the
two players.
Belgium, second in the world rankings, are also due to
arrive in Doha late on Friday, with five-time champions Brazil expected on
Saturday.
Defending champions France are sweating on the fitness of
forward Karim Benzema and defender Raphael Varane ahead of their opening game
on Tuesday.
Real Madrid’s Benzema has been struggling with a thigh
problem while Manchester United defender Varane is recovering from a leg
injury.
“Karim and Raphael are doing really well,” teammate Adrien
Rabiot said on Friday. “They trained apart because that was the protocol that
was in place for them.
“They are good and are really keen to play, but I don’t know
if they will be involved in the first match.”
AFP
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