FIFA World Cup 2034: Alcohol will be banned at the 2034 FIFA World Cup: Alcohol will be completely banned during the 2034 FIFA World Cup to be held in Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to Britain Prince Khalid bin Bandar Al Saud confirmed this on Wednesday. This will be the first time that fans will not be able to get alcohol in the stadium during a FIFA tournament.
This decision is completely different from the 2022 Qatar World Cup, where alcohol was made available at high prices in certain fan areas and five-star hotels, but this will not happen in the 2034 World Cup. Prince Khalid clearly said that alcohol will not be sold anywhere in Saudi Arabia.
‘We don’t want to change our culture for someone else.’
— LBC (@LBC) February 12, 2025
‘Really, you can’t live without a drink?’
The Saudi Arabian Ambassador confirms to @NickFerrariLBC that the entirety of the 2034 World Cup will be alcohol-free. pic.twitter.com/zRqK3U0MxE
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Alcohol Banned At FIFA World Cup
Alcohol has been banned in Saudi Arabia for more than 70 years, which will remain in force during the 2034 FIFA World Cup. Ambassador Prince Khalid made it clear that the country will not relax its strict Islamic laws. In an interview with LBC radio, Prince Khalid said, “Right now, we do not allow alcohol and this policy will remain in force during the World Cup.” He said that a lot of fun can be had even without alcohol.
Every Country Has Its Own Culture
Prince Khalid stressed that Saudi Arabia will host the World Cup while respecting its cultural and religious traditions. He added, “Every country has its own culture. We are ready to accommodate people within the framework of our culture, but do not intend to change our culture for anyone else.”
Strict Action Will Be Taken If Caught
Prince Khalid further said that only soft drinks will be served in the stadiums and those caught smuggling alcohol will be publicly flogged. The alcohol ban will be strictly enforced during the World Cup, with fans breaking the law facing possible prison sentences, fines, public floggings and deportation.
Fans Got Angry Over Liquor Ban
Saudi Arabia’s decision has raised concerns among football fans, who may shy away from attending the tournament due to strict laws and cultural restrictions. Many football fans in England are expressing their displeasure over this decision. A fan, Tim Bailey, reacted sharply on X and wrote, “Their country, their rules. But why would anyone want to go there?” Another supporter commented, “It’s weird… they always want the rest of the world to change their culture for them!”
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