Sad news for football fans dreaming of enjoying a beer while cheering for their favorite teams The 2034 FIFA World Cup in Saudi Arabia will enforce a complete alcohol ban within stadiums and public fan zones. This decision, confirmed by senior FIFA officials, reflects Saudi Arabia’s long-standing prohibition on alcohol, which has been codified under Article 35 of the Kingdom’s Anti-Drug and Psychotropic Substances Law since 1952.
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Alcohol Ban,What It Means for the 2034 World Cup?
The alcohol ban is comprehensive, leaving no room for exceptions, regardless of attendees’ nationality or religion. FIFA officials made the decision early to avoid the financial and logistical setbacks experienced during the 2022 Qatar World Cup, where an abrupt reversal of planned alcohol sales caused chaos for sponsors and fans.
Saudi Arabia’s strict alcohol prohibition is deeply rooted in its Islamic values and legal framework Prohibited Under Article 35 The Kingdom’s Anti-Drug and Psychotropic Substances Law strictly bans the production, import, sale, and consumption of alcohol.
Unlike neighboring countries like the UAE, which allow alcohol sales in controlled environments, Saudi Arabia maintains an absolute ban, even in luxury hotels.
The country’s only exception to this rule a diplomatic shop in Riyadh for non-Muslim diplomats operates under stringent restrictions, underscoring the depth of its alcohol-free policies.
This announcement has led to mixed reactions, Many fans lament the lack of beer at matches, a traditional part of the World Cup experience for some.
Saudi officials says that visitors must follow the nation’s cultural and legal standards. The Sports Minister stated, “Those unwilling to comply should reconsider their attendance.”
FIFA’s decision to align with Saudi Arabia’s cultural norms reflects lessons learned during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. That event saw a last-minute alcohol sales ban at stadiums, disappointing fans and incurring financial losses for key sponsors like Budweiser. By clarifying this policy early, FIFA aims to manage expectations and avoid similar fallout.
For the 2034 FIFA World Cup, the message is clear: football fans must follow Saudi Arabia’s cultural and legal framework, including its strict alcohol ban. While the absence of beer may feel untraditional for some, FIFA’s decision shows the importance of respecting local customs at a global event.