FIFA confirms alcohol will be available at #QatarWorldCup2022 stadiums before & after matches

Beer will not be sold inside stadiums during World Cup matches in Qatar, where alcohol is severely restricted, but FIFA said on Saturday that drinking will be allowed in the stadium zone before and after games.

The global body gave first details of beer sales after months of sensitive talks with authorities in the conservative Muslim Gulf state. 

The issue is important for FIFA as beer-maker Budweiser has been a major sponsor for three decades while foreign fans have also questioned what to expect at the November 20-December 18 tournament. Qatar has predicted more than one million visitors for the World Cup.

A source with knowledge of the plans said beer stands would open in zones around stadiums when gates open for a match and close 30 minutes before each game starts. 

The source said stands would reopen for a short time after the game. Inside stadiums, only Budweiser's zero-alcohol beer and soft-drinks would be available, the spokesperson added. Coca-Cola, another huge sponsor, has the sole right to sell non-alcoholic drinks at the eight stadiums to be used for the first World Cup in a Muslim nation. 

While alcohol is not banned in Qatar as it is in neighbouring Saudi Arabia, it is only sold in about 35 international hotels and restaurants. Foreign residents can buy alcohol in government stores. 

Drinking in public is illegal. Budweiser's parent company, AB InBev, did not comment on FIFA's plans but has in the past said it was looking for 'respectful' ways to sell its product at the Qatar World Cup. 

Beer has traditionally been sold at fan zones throughout the day at previous World Cups.