Fans of the FIFA World Cup, you’re about to get some sad news! The 2034 FIFA World Cup, happening in Saudi Arabia, will not serve any alcohol. The news might be disappointing to some fans, who would certainly love an ‘unsobered’ experience at the grand soccer event. However, the country, sticking to its no-alcohol policy, will not be serving any liquor at the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
FIFA World Cup: All That You Need To Know About The Alcohol Ban
A Sober 2034 FIFA World Cup
Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to the United Kingdom (UK), Prince Khalid bin Bandar Al Saud recently confirmed that fans will not be able to have alcohol during the 2034 FIFA World Cup in Saudi Arabia. By this, he meant that fans won’t be served alcohol – not just at the stadium, but also not at hotels or anywhere else.
This move is not unusual as the country has a complete blanket ban on alcohol already, since 1952. The Saudi Ambassador further continued that “Everyone has their own culture” (as per a quote to UK news site LBC). He also added that, “We’re happy to accommodate people within the boundaries of our culture but we don’t want to change our culture for someone else”.
He stated that fans traveling to the tournament must adhere to the local customs and culture of the host nation, which also includes a complete ban on the sale and consumption of alcohol. Tourists caught violating these laws shall face severe penalties, including fines, imprisonment, and even deportation.
Al Saud also continued stating that plenty of fun can be had without consuming alcohol and that the host nation will do its best to encourage fans from doing so.
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Alcohol Availability At Qatar World Cup
The move comes off as rather disappointing, especially if you compare it to the alcohol regulations at Qatar 2022 World Cup. Qatar, another predominantly Muslim nation in the Middle East, had relaxed its alcohol laws for FIFA 2022. The country had allowed the consumption of alcohol in designated fan zones and hotels, but had barred alcohol consumption inside the stadium.
Many fans were expecting Saudi Arabia to pull off a similar move for the 2034 FIFA World Cup. However, the country has already stated its regulations, years before the actual event.
Other Concerns Ahead Of The 2034 FIFA World Cup
Not just fans of booze, but many others also expressed their concerns when the alcohol ban was confirmed. Many LGBTQ+ fans expressed their concern over attending one of the world’s largest live events. This is because homosexual acts in Saudi Arabia are punishable by death, leaving many fans from the queer community in concern.
However, Al Saud confirmed that FIFA 2034 is not a “Saudi event”, but a “world event”. He further stated that they will welcome everyone who wants to come “to a large extent”.
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Summing Up
While fans attending the 2034 FIFA World Cup will not be able to get ‘unsobered’, it will be interesting to keep an eye on future updates. Who knows, the government might even relax or update their rules on the alcohol ban in the coming 10 years!
