The country’s ambassador to the United Kingdom confirmed that the fans who attended the 2034 World Cup in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will not be able to buy or consume alcohol during the tournament.
Speaking in an interview with LBC, Prince Khalid bin Bandar Al Soud stated that alcohol sales will be completely banned, including hotels.
After FIFA confirmed that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will host the Men’s World Cup for the year 2034, Prince Khaled explained that the country’s position on alcohol will remain unchanged.
“At the present time, we do not allow alcohol,” he said.
“You can get a lot of fun without alcohol – it’s not 100 % necessary, and if you want to drink after you leave, you are welcome, but now we don’t face alcohol.”
When asked if the fans would be allowed to drink in hotels, as allowed at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, he repeated: “No, there is absolutely no alcohol. Instead, it is a dry country.
“Everyone has their own culture. We are pleased to absorb people within the limits of our culture, but we do not want to change our culture to another person.”
Logistics of alcohol in the 2034 World Cup in Saudi Arabia was confirmed.#BCFOTBALL pic.twitter.com/lxnblwf63j
BBC Sport (BBCSport) February 12, 2025
The issue of alcohol availability was a major topic that leads to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, another country with an Islamic majority with strict alcohol regulations.
Initially, Qatar planned to allow alcohol sales in the stadiums, but this decision was reversed just days before the start of the tournament. However, fans were still able to buy alcoholic beverages in the specified fans and choose hotels.
However, it appears that Saudi Arabia is taking a more stable position by imposing a complete alcohol embargo throughout the event.
Their position on human rights was also a subject of global scrutiny, especially with regard to LGBTQ+rights. The relationships between gay people in the country, and the identities of the transgender are not officially identified. Nevertheless, Prince Khaled confirmed that everyone will be welcome in the championship.
He added: “We will welcome everyone in Saudi Arabia. It is not a Saudi event, it is a global event, and we will greatly welcome everyone who wants to come.”
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has faced allegations using its increasing participation in global sport as a “sport” method – an attempt to improve its international image amid concerns about human rights and environmental policies.
The nation has invested heavily in sports, including football, boxing and tumor 1, which raised questions about its wider intentions.
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