Footage of FIFA chiefs boozing at party shows ‘hypocrisy’ of World Cup beer ban

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    FIFA chiefs have been accuses of 'total hypocrisy' after supporters were banned from drinking beer in the perimeter of stadiums for the entire World Cup.

    Fan fury comes as video footage shows FIFA delegates and guests drinking expensive French champagne and beers at the draw party in Doha back in April.

    In addition, questions have been asked over alcoholic beer still being available in high-end hospitality booths that cost around £18,850 for one match, as well as in selected fan parks in Qatar.

    READ MORE: England sponsor Lucozade snubs Qatar pulling branding from World Cup and bans bottles

    According to The Mirror, one ordinary fan said: "It’s one rule for the rich and one for the poor."

    A second said: "They are threatening us with no beer before the games. It's outrageous. It’s one rule for them and one for us.

    "It’s always the diehard fans who miss out. Total hypocrisy."

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    As a conservative Muslim country, the sale of alcohol is restricted and only sold in certain hotels in the Doha area which led to their request to change FIFA's plans just two days before the tournament.

    The joint statement from FIFA and Qatar read: "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."

    The confirmation might well give FIFA a contractual nightmare with Budweiser paying $75million (£63m ) to the governing body for each four-year cycle.

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    • World Cup
    • FIFA

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