February 13 – There will be no alcohol available at the 2034 Saudi World Cup, according to the country’s ambassador to the UK, who confirmed that the rule would be even more strictly imposed than at the tournament in Qatar three years ago.
Prince Khalid bin Bandar bin Sultan Al Saud said booze would not be allowed anywhere during the tournament, including hotels, restaurants and stadiums.
In Qatar, alcohol was available at certain specific official venues outside the stadiums, but at a price. However, even this will not happen in Saudi Arabia, where the sale and consumption of alcohol is strictly prohibited and punishable.
“Rather like our weather, it’s a dry country,” Prince Khalid told LBC. “At the moment we don’t allow alcohol, but you know, plenty of fun can be had without alcohol.
“It’s not 100 per cent necessary. And you know, if you want to drink when you leave, after you leave, you’re welcome to.”
The statement appeared to clear up confusion similar to that ahead of the 2022 World Cup, where the sale of beer in stadiums was banned two days before kick-off after months of uncertainty. Supporters were, however, able to buy beer from designated fan zones and hotel bars.
Not the next time the tournament is held in the Middle East, though. “Everyone has their own culture and we’re happy to accommodate people within the boundaries of our culture, but we don’t want to change our culture for someone else,” the Prince added. “And I mean, really, you can’t live without a drink?’
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