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Ban on Beer Is Latest Flash Point in World Cup Culture Clash
Summary
The 2022 World Cup is set to be held in Qatar, and there has been controversy surrounding the sale of alcohol at the event. Initially, it was announced that beer would be available for fans, but a recent change in plans means that only non-alcoholic drinks will be sold at stadiums. This has caused frustration among fans, as well as sponsors like Budweiser.
Q&As
What is the World Cup?
The World Cup is a quadrennial event that pits the best national soccer teams against each other for the title of world champion.
Where is it being held?
The 2022 World Cup is being held in Qatar.
When is it?
The tournament will open on Nov. 20, when Qatar plays Ecuador.
How many teams are competing?
Thirty-two teams are competing in the 2022 World Cup.
How can I watch the World Cup in the U.S.?
The tournament will be broadcast on Fox and FS1 in English, and on Telemundo in Spanish. You can livestream it on Peacock, or on streaming services that carry Fox and FS1.
AI Comments
👍 Qatar has done an amazing job preparing for the World Cup. The new stadiums, hotels, roads, and sidewalks are impressive.
👎 Qatar's ban on alcohol at the World Cup is disappointing. Fans were looking forward to enjoying a beer at the games, but will now have to go without.
AI Discussion
Me: Qatar's about-face on alcohol signaled that FIFA, soccer’s governing body, may no longer be in full control of its showcase championship.
Friend: That's interesting. I didn't know that FIFA was in control of the World Cup.
Me: Well, it seems like they're not as in control as they used to be.
Action items
- Write to FIFA and/or the Qatari government to express your disappointment with the decision to ban beer sales at World Cup 2022 stadiums.
- If you are planning to attend the World Cup, research alternative ways to obtain beer inside the stadium, such as through unofficial vendors or by smuggling it in.
- Support fan advocacy groups who are critical of the decision, such as the Football Supporters’ Association.
Technical terms
- FIFA
- Fédération Internationale de Football Association, the international governing body of association football, futsal, and beach soccer.
- World Cup
- An international association football competition contested by the senior men's national teams of the members of the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), the sport's global governing body.
- Qatar
- A sovereign country located in Western Asia, occupying the small Qatar Peninsula on the northeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula.
- Budweiser
- An American-style pale lager produced by Anheuser-Busch InBev.