Alcohol will not be allowed at the 2034 World Cup, said the Saudi ambassador to the United Kingdom (UK).
Prince Khalid bin Bandar Al Saud told foreign media that there is “no alcohol at all” in Saudi Arabia and that no exception will be made when they host the World Cup.
He confirmed that alcohol will not be permitted in hotels, restaurants, or stadiums.
Despite alcohol being allowed in certain areas and restaurants during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, that is unlikely to be the case in Saudi Arabia.
“We do not currently allow alcohol,” Al Saud said, adding:
“A lot of fun can be had without alcohol; it is not 100 percent necessary. If you want to have a drink after you leave this country, go ahead, but at the moment, we do not have alcohol.”
The statement seeks to prevent the uncertainty that surrounded the 2022 World Cup in Qatar when beer sales were suddenly banned in stadiums just days before the tournament began.
Despite this, Prince Khalid emphasized that Saudi Arabia will not compromise its cultural values for the event. Every country has its own traditions, and while we are happy to accommodate visitors within our cultural boundaries, we don’t believe in changing our culture to suit others he said. Honestly, is having a drink really that essential?
He also reassured fans that Saudi Arabia will welcome all visitors, calling the tournament a global event, not just a Saudi ones, while reaffirming the country’s commitment to hosting it in line with its own principles.
Photo: Goal.com
