The soccer World Cup to be held in Qatar starting next month will set up areas where drunken fans can get drunk, the head of the organizers’ executive body said in a televised interview, quoted by Reuters.
The November 20-December 18 World Cup is the first to be held in a Muslim country with strict alcohol controls, a unique challenge for organizers of an event sponsored by a major beer brand and often associated with drinking fans beer.
Qatar will allow ticket-holding fans to buy alcoholic beer at matches three hours before kick-off and for an hour after the final whistle, but not during the match, according to Reuters reports dating back to September, citing a source who has knowledge of the plans for the tournament.
“I know there are plans for people to get sober if they’ve…drank too much”
Qatar 2022 chief executive Nasser Al Khater told Sky News in an interview published on Thursday that anyone who goes to excess will be watched.
“I know there are plans in place for people to detox if they have…drank excessively,” Al Khater said, adding that the plan was put in place to ensure they were safe and not a harm to others or themselves. , at the same time considering that it is “a good idea”.
Al Khater also reiterated assurances that LGBTQ+ fans are welcome and will feel at ease in Qatar. Homosexuality is illegal in Qatar, as it is in many Middle Eastern countries.
“Everyone is welcome here and everyone will feel safe when they come to Qatar,” he said when asked what his message was to LGBTQ+ fans.
Everyone is welcome in Qatar
When asked if this included gay fans holding hands in public, he replied, “Yes,” and again answered “yes” when asked if this was a message of reassurance.
Tournament organizers have previously stressed that everyone, regardless of sexual orientation or background, is welcome in Qatar, while warning fans against public displays of affection.
Qatar and several countries in the region this year banned Disney’s animated film “Lightyear” from showing in theaters because it features characters who are in a same-sex relationship.