“Respect Our Religion but if the Price Is Right..” – Despite FIFA President’s Appeal, Fans Fuming With Recent Ban in Qatar World Cup

Several controversies have surrounded the upcoming FIFA World Cup in Qatar. The 22nd edition of the World Cup is around the corner with 32 teams fighting it out for the soccer world’s biggest prize. However, the host nation has been in the news for the wrong reasons. FIFA recently announced that alcoholic drinks will not be allowed inside the stadium. The major u-turn from soccer’s biggest governing body sent shockwaves around the world. The host nation has also been facing backlash due to human rights issues over the past few years.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino recently appeared before the media and hit out at the critics of the World Cup. However, amidst the controversy, a report revealed that £19k worth of tickets will allow fans to get alcohol during the matches.

Gianni Infantino hit out at the critics of the World Cup during a bizarre speech ahead of the tournament opener. He accused the western countries of hypocrisy and defended the host nation. He also addressed the issue surrounding the ban on alcohol inside the stadium.

“If you can’t drink beer for three hours, I think you can survive. There are many countries that ban alcohol in stadiums, like France, but since it’s a Muslim country, that’s a problem,” Infantino said.

However, after his speech, a report revealed that fans with tickets worth £19k will have access to alcoholic drinks inside the stadium. This sparked a big outrage on social media, leading to fans calling out FIFA.

Fans react to alcohol ban inside the stadium despite FIFA boss Infantino’s speech

Sky Sports recently revealed that alcoholic drinks won’t be allowed inside the stadium during the World Cup in Qatar. However, expensive tickets worth £19k will have access to alcoholic drinks during the game. The recent report went viral on social media, leaving soccer fans fuming.

One fan commented, “Please respect our religion” BUT if the price is right we’ll make exceptions.”

Another fan wrote: “Money talks as per usual. 😂”

“If this was their stand before people fly to Qatar, numbers arriving for the world cup would have been 50% less than what it is, simple,” a fan raised doubts over World Cup’s attendance.

Following are some fan reactions from Twitter:

Infantino downplayed the alcohol ban in his recent speech. However, fans have raised the question about their decision just two days before kickoff.

While FIFA has agreed with the Qatar government over the ban, the federation has a big sponsorship dilemma to face. FIFA and Budweiser have a $75 million deal for sponsorship in the World Cup. However, a ban means the brand would have to relocate its beer tents out of the stadiums.

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What do you think of FIFA’s U-Turn on alcohol inside the stadium? Let us know in the stadium.