FIFA has performed a U-turn on its decision to sell beer at World Cup stadiums for the 2022 tournament in Qatar, with alcoholic beverages no longer available to fans at grounds.
With Qatar being a Muslim nation, the sale of alcohol is strictly controlled and limited to hotel bars and restaurants away from street view, but Budweiser were given the rights to provide beer for the World Cup.
Organisers of the 2022 World Cup had initially stated their desire to serve alcohol within "select areas" at stadiums, but that policy has now been reversed just two days before the start of the tournament.
A statement from FIFA confirmed that beer and other alcoholic drinks would still be available in fan zones, but supporters attending games at stadiums - except for those corporate areas - cannot purchase such beverages.
A report from Sky News states that Qatar's Al Thani royal family were leading figures in the decision to ban alcohol from stadiums, and fans will only be able to purchase beer in specific fan zones after 6.30pm.