A ban on alcohol inside stadiums -- there has long been speculation about what the conservative Muslim country would do on the tricky issue of alcohol for the World Cup -- could bring organisers into conflict with FIFA and powerful sponsors. Drinking of alcohol is not illegal in Qatar and alcohol is available in hotels, while expats who live in the Gulf emirate can buy drink after applying for a licence. The official said Qatar would resist attempts to change the country's laws for the tournament, as has happened with previous World Cup hosts. Al-Thawadi said earlier this year that drunken fans during the 2022 World Cup would be treated "gently". It has been estimated by organisers that up to one million fans could descend on Qatar for the 2022 tournament.

Source: dna November 09, 2016 05:55 UTC