The sale of alcoholic drinks inside all eight of Qatar's World Cup stadiums has been banned after Qatari officials made a ruling which means only non-alcoholic beverages will be sold during the tournament.
However, the decision will not impact the sale in luxury suites reserved for FIFA officials as well as fan parks. But the decision leaves FIFA in a precarious position as it will impact the sale of Budweiser - one of FIFA's biggest sponsors - with the World Cup just a matter of days away.
According to the New York Times, the change comes amid reported rising tensions during negotiations over the sale of alcohol - which will now impact the sale within the eight stadiums.
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In a statement, a FIFA confirmed their decision. A spokesperson 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.
"There is no impact to the sale of Bud Zero which will remain available at all Qatar's World Cup stadiums. Host country authorities and FIFA will continue to ensure that the stadiums and surrounding areas provide an enjoyable, respectful and pleasant experience for all fans.
"The tournament organisers appreciate AB InBev's understanding and continuous support to our joint commitment to cater for everyone during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022."
A week ago, dozen of Budweiser branded red tents were moved to more discrete locations, away from where fans would pass, at the stadiums. The American lager company paid a reported $75m for each four-year cycle of the World Cup could see their branding at the biggest footballing event of the year minimised.
It has been said that the likes of tents and lager-branded fridges could be replaced with generic ones - likely to be blue in conjunction with Budweiser's non-alcoholic option.
The Qatari royal family were also wanting a total stadium ban on alcohol, according to The Times, as discussions remained ongoing. The sale of alcohol is tightly controlled in Qatar, a conservative Muslim country, and the latest adjustment comes after months of changes to the alcohol plan for the tournament.
Since being awarded the opportunity to hold the tournament in 2010, Qatar has been preparing to host the World Cup and now is just days away from seeing the plan come to life. But it hasn't been shy of controversy and this latest u-turn will cause more issues for fans who are in attendance.
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