The FIFA and the authorities of the host country of Qatar 2022 agreed to "focus the sale of alcoholic beverages on the FIFA Fan Fest, other destinations for fans, and authorized points, eliminating beer sales points from the perimeters of the FIFA 2022 World Cup stadium in Qatar", as stated in the official statement.
This has not only caused great dissatisfaction among fans, but also among Budweiser, who had a 75 million euro contract with FIFA that allowed them to have exclusive sales points in the capital of Qatar. And while the brand has taken it with humor on social media, their next actions may not be so harmless.
YOU MAY SEE: Qatar 2022: What will happen to the thousands of Budweiser beers after the FIFA ban?
Budweiser could consider suing FIFA
When it was known that Qatar would be the host of the World Cup, the issue of alcohol sales was in doubt, given the customs of the Arab country. And finally, FIFA confirmed that indeed, alcohol would not be sold inside the stadiums and that only 'Bud Zero', Budweiser's alcohol-free beer, could be purchased.
In response, the beer brand took it with humor and "announced" on its social media that they would give away the drinks that they would not be able to sell to the winning team of the World Cup. However, being a 75 million euro contract, the beer company would be considering suing the football federation.
YOU MAY SEE: Budweiser "uncomfortable" with the alcohol sales ban near World Cup stadiums
Additionally, the beer company invited the University of Oxford to predict the possible World Cup Champion. Thus, the following data has been estimated: England will lose in the quarterfinals, Argentina will lose in the semifinals, and Brazil will face Belgium in the final, with the South American team being the champion. In this way, the Brazilian national team would win the millions of beers that Budweiser will not be able to sell.
Budweiser suggested that they would deliver their beers to the Champion of Qatar 2022. Photo: Budweiser/Twitter
Why can't you drink beer in Qatar?
Despite Ecuadorian fans chanting "we want beer", the Shaira law, an Islamic norm, limits the consumption of alcohol, and this is the reason behind the decision made by the authorities of the Arab country in conjunction with FIFA.
Will the fans be able to respect this law until the end of the World Cup?