BUDWEISER issued a brilliant Twitter response after Qatar banned booze from being sold at World Cup stadiums… before quickly deleting their tweet.
The opening ceremony for the winter tournament is just days away, with the hosts taking on Ecuador afterwards.
But footy fans in Qatar will have a dry World Cup after authorities performed a stunning U-turn on alcohol.
It had previously been promised that beer and other drinks would be available at all eight World Cup venues.
However, Fifa chiefs have bowed to pressure from the Qatari authorities and confirmed they will not be selling alcohol at any stadiums.
It’s bad news for official beer sponsor Budweiser, who are now due millions in compensation just one day after Fifa told fans they COULD buy booze at matches.
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It means that the only official World Cup site where fans can have a drink will be the Doha city centre official Fan Festival.
That’s where a Bud costs almost £12 – and it’s less than a pint with the lager being served in 500ml glasses.
And taking to Twitter, Budweiser’s official account posted a hilarious reaction to the news.
They wrote: “Well, this is awkward…”
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Football fans were also in good spirits despite the ban, with one saying: “I cannot watch England play whilst I’m sober next Monday.”
Another laughed: “Just send Bud Light instead, they won’t notice it’s beer.”
One declared: “Send me the beer that will be wasted if you like.”
Another added: “It essentially tastes like water anyway.”
Meanwhile, only Bud Zero will be for sale at stadiums – each measure costing around £7 – and that the promises of alcohol being freely available has been scrapped with immediate effect.
But that will NOT apply to the official hospitality areas, where tickets cost four-figure sums and each box suite has sold for around £20,000.
Those seats and packages have promised “a selection of drinks available according to custom and preference; soft drinks, beers, Champagne, sommelier-selected wines, and premium spirits” available “before, during and after matches”.
That will not be an option for the thousands of fans who have bought normal stadium tickets and represents a huge change that will put Fifa under massive pressure to justify itself.
It is understood that Qatar’s ruling Royal Family has demanded the U-turn, with growing resentment against attempts to force through a more cosmopolitan approach to the tournament.
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Earlier this week, the Qataris ordered Fifa to move some Budweiser concession stands that were deemed too “intrusive” into less visible positions.
And after months of promises that Qatar would recognise that drinking is part of football fan culture worldwide, the sudden change will cause huge anger and upset for travelling supporters.
A spokesman for the Football Supporters’ Association said: “Some fans like a beer at a game and some don’t.
“But the real issue is the last minute u-turn which speaks to a wider problem – the total lack of communication and clarity from the organising committee towards supporters.
“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.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
