Alcohol sales banned at FIFA World Cup stadiums in Qatar

Alcohol will not be sold to fans at the FIFA World Cup's eight stadiums in Qatar after FIFA 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 on Monday when Qatar play Ecuador at 4am.

Budweiser, a major sponsor of FIFA, is owned by beer maker AB InBev and had exclusive rights to sell beer at the World Cup.

FIFA says 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.

Source: BBC Sports