Fans at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar will be able to drink alcohol for up to 19 hours a day at the tournament — but only by a gigantic stage in the shape of a spider most commonly seen at the Glastonbury festival in England.
The FIFA World Cup is set to take place in a Muslim country in the Middle East for the first time this winter. The consumption of alcohol is prohibited in Islam.
Organisers have confirmed that alcohol will be served “in select areas within stadiums” at the tournament, while booze will also be available at the official “fan zone”.
But the ‘Arcadia Spectacular’ event — which will feature “live shows” as well as “internationally renowned artists and DJs” — will have alcohol available from 10am to 5am every day.
The fan festival, which will feature techno and house music, has a capacity for around 15,000 fans.
The news comes as something of a surprise given the strict laws in Doha as well as previous statements on the availability of alcohol in Qatar.
At the 2019 Club World cup in Qatar, fan zones served alcohol and a beer cost £5.
The World Cup begins on November 20, with Qatar playing Ecuador in the opening match.
source: theathletic.com
