Following the announcement this morning that alcohol sales will be banned at all World Cup stadiums , except in corporate areas the FSA has issued a statement that may well become prophetical.

Was anyone truly surprised that FIFA changed it's policies just two days before the start of the tournament, alcohol was set to be available "in select areas within stadiums", despite its sale being strictly controlled in the Muslim country, but suddenly the rules have changed and now the authorities in Quatar are free to enforce an alcohol ban in the stadiums.

This comes as no surprise and smells of this being something that was agreed long ago and not just this morning. It smacks of FIFA agreeing when the deal was signed that they publicly alcohol would be allowed, but that the Quatar authorities need not worry. we will change the rules once all the tickets and hotels have been sold.

Of course alcohol will still be available in corporate areas, so the FIFA contingent will still enjoy a glass or two whilst smugly self congratulating themselves about how they have pulled off one of the greatest rip offs in football's history.

The worry though is that having drawn in the World's football supporters into a country that has very little to offer in cultural entertainment and had draconian laws on many things including homosexuality and women's rights, that the parameters might have changed on these as well as alcohol.

There is a school of thought that people entering a country have to be respectful of its laws and culture, I agree with this, if i went to Quatar or a similar country as a tourist I would respect that, but this is not a case of that, this is a football tournament for the whole world, it is a celebration of football and the if all people cannot go freely and within reason lead their normal lives as they do in their home country ie the LBGTQ community for instance, then a tournament or event such as this should not be given to that country.

The Football Supporters Association have issued the following statement.

“Some fans like a beer at the match, and some don’t, but the real issue is the last minute u-turn which speaks to a wider problem — the total lack of communication and clarity from the organising committee towards supporters.

“If they can change their minds on this at a moment’s notice, with no explanation, supporters will have understandable concerns about whether they will fulfil other promises relating to accommodation, transport or cultural issues.”

A statement which is short and sweet and hints at the fact that if they can back track on this agreement what else will they backtrack on.

Personally, for me this World Cup is tainted, it has sold it's soul to the highest bidder whether legally or as alleged elsewhere, illegally.

For me the only way that football can regain it's dignity is if every player of every squad suddenly declared themselves injured, if the Quatar authorities can do something at two days notice, so can those footballers who proclaim their support of human rights in the media and then do the opposite, time for them to grow some balls and make a statement, one that would send shockwaves around the World .

Don't hold your breath though !

Photo: Action Images

TimSaint added 13:50 - Nov 18 I imagine companies such as Budweiser have invested billions into advertising, obtaining exclusivity rights and shipping their products over to sell at the World Cup - only to get this news today !! Cue law suits galore !! :-)
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WestSussexSaint added 15:21 - Nov 18 I know this World Cup was awarded under a previous regime at FIFA but this demonstrates that the attempts to repair their reputation after the corruption scandals still has some way to go.
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wessexman added 15:58 - Nov 18 The WC in 1978 was in Argentina which was ruled by the junta generals. Their human rights record was appalling where at the height of their abuses political prisoners were simply thrown out of helicopters. The issue here is now big, big money. The only way for us fans is to make a statement and not go. Unfortunately, fans will always go. It is the same with prices at domestic games......unless there is a blanket boycott by fans....we will continue to be fleeced and taken advantage of,

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dwayne_dibley added 08:06 - Nov 19 wonder how much Blatter got paid for hiding that easter egg in the contract award
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IanRC added 09:38 - Nov 22 I lived in Qatar for 10 years and always found the Qataris welcoming hosts (except when driving). Whilst it is not possible to agree with some of their views I agree if you visit a country you should generally accept that you should behave appropriately. Sadly FIFA (and the FA) are deeply corrupt organisations. I do hope they are sued out of existence so that fairer regulators can be created. Interesting that whilst the Iranians had the balls to risk serious persecution by not participating in their national anthem, England bottled it by crumbling to the FIFA pressure in case of a booking. Says it all really.

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