Saudi Arabia has confirmed a strict ban on alcohol for the 2034 FIFA World Cup, with no exceptions to be made for fans, players, or sponsors. This decision aligns with the country's long-standing prohibition on alcohol, which has been in place for over 70 years.
According to Prince Khalid bin Bandar Al Saud, Saudi Arabia's ambassador to the UK, "plenty of fun can be had without alcohol" and that the country's culture and laws will not be changed to accommodate international visitors.
This stance is in contrast to neighboring Qatar, which allowed limited alcohol sales in designated fan zones during the 2022 World Cup. The ban on alcohol will be strictly enforced, with fans caught breaking the law facing potential prison sentences, fines, public flogging, and deportation. This has raised concerns among human rights groups and football fans, who may be deterred from attending the tournament due to the strict laws and cultural restrictions.
Saudi Arabia ambassador says all fans are welcome for the FIFA WORLD CUP
Despite the concerns, Saudi Arabia's ambassador has emphasized that the country will welcome all fans and visitors, stating that "we will welcome everyone in Saudi... it is not a Saudi event, it is a world event". However, the ban on alcohol and other restrictions on personal freedoms may still pose a challenge for some visitors.
The decision to host the 2034 World Cup in Saudi Arabia has been controversial, with concerns raised over the country's human rights record, treatment of workers, and restrictions on personal freedoms. The ban on alcohol is just one aspect of the country's strict laws and cultural norms, which may pose a challenge for international visitors and fans.
