Aaron Ramsdale says England are ready to give their fans “excitement and buzz” despite the World Cup booze ban.
FIFA announced a dramatic U-turn on the sale of beer within stadiums in Qatar after organisers changed their minds at the last minute. It now puts FIFA on collision course with sponsors Budweiser who could be set to launch a multi-million pound lawsuit after the alcohol clampdown.
Arsenal keeper Ramsdale, whose family are coming out to support him at the tournament, said: “I think the fans will find some way of having a beer, I don't think you need to do it so much at the game.
“Hopefully, with them not being able to drink we can perform on the pitch to give them that excitement and buzz. But we also have to respect the rules and continue to work, we will put pressure on ourselves to entertain from the football pitch.”
The change of heart has caused fury among fans and heightened tensions between FIFA and the Qatar World Cup organisers as they have reneged on a promise to sell alcohol despite strict rules in Doha. But corporate fans WILL be able to drink beer in hospitality seats - but they will have to pay over £9,000 each for the privilege.
FIFA said: “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.”
Budweiser, who pay £60m over four years in sponsorship, put out a tweet after the FIFA announcement which said: “Well, this is awkward…" The tweet was later deleted.
The Football Supporters' Association, for fans in England and Wales, criticised what it described as a "total lack of communication and clarity from the organising committee towards supporters".
The FSA said in a statement: ”Some fans like a beer at the match, and some don't, but the real issue is the last minute U-turn which speaks to a wider problem.
“If they can change their minds on this at a moment's notice, with no explanation, supporters will have understandable concerns about whether they will fulfil other promises relating to accommodation, transport or cultural issues.”
