Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to the United Kingdom, Prince Khalid bin Bandar Al Saud, has confirmed that alcohol will be strictly prohibited throughout the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
Speaking in an interview with LBC, Prince Khalid stated that alcohol would not be available in stadiums, fan zones, or hotels during the tournament.
“At the moment, we don’t allow alcohol,” he said. “Plenty of fun can be had without it—it’s not a necessity. If you want to drink after you leave, that’s your choice, but currently, alcohol is not permitted in Saudi Arabia.”
When asked whether hotels might offer exceptions, similar to arrangements during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, he was clear: “No, there is no alcohol at all. Just like our weather, Saudi Arabia is a dry country.”
He emphasized that while the kingdom is happy to accommodate visitors, it will do so within the framework of its cultural norms. “Every country has its own culture. We welcome people within the boundaries of ours, but we will not change our culture for others.”
The decision mirrors Qatar’s last-minute alcohol restrictions at the 2022 tournament, where beer sales at stadiums were banned just days before kickoff. However, fans in Qatar could still purchase alcoholic beverages in designated fan zones and hotels.
Beyond alcohol regulations, concerns remain about Saudi Arabia’s human rights record. Same-sex relationships are illegal in the country, and transgender identities are not legally recognized. Addressing these concerns, Prince Khalid stated: “This is a global event, not just a Saudi event. We will welcome everyone who wants to come.”
Saudi Arabia has faced accusations of ‘sportswashing’—using high-profile sporting events to improve its global reputation despite criticism over human rights issues and environmental concerns. Amnesty International has warned that hosting the tournament there could lead to severe and widespread rights violations.
SOURCE: BBC
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