Fans participating in the 2034 World Cup in Saudi Arabia will not be allowed to drink alcohol, the country’s ambassador told the United Kingdom on Wednesday.
Prince Khalid Bin Bandar Al Saud said that those who go to the tournament should respect the culture of the Gulf nation and that alcohol would not be sold anywhere during the event, including hotels.
Saudi Arabia has been confirmed as hosts of the 2034 World Cup after the FIFA member associations were offered a single voting option. The nations have supported Saudi Arabia by “acclamation” – a process by which a decision is ratified by voters applauding in favor to express their approval.
“For the moment, we do not allow alcohol”, the ambassador said to LBC.
“Lots of fun can be alcohol -free – it is not 100% necessary and if you want to drink after your departure, you are welcome, but for the moment, we have no alcohol.”
“A bit like our time, it’s a dry country,” he continued.
The availability of alcohol was a subject of discussion in the head of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, another country which has its laws and customs shaped by Muslim values.
The decision to authorize the sale of alcohol in the stadiums in Qatar was reversed two days before the tournament’s opening match after the last -minute discussions.
In the end, supporters were able to buy alcoholic beverages in designated hotels and fans parks.
When asked if a lack of alcohol was welcoming for fans traveling to Saudi Arabia, the ambassador said: “Everyone has their own culture. We are happy to welcome people within the limits of our Culture, but we don’t want to change our culture for someone else.
“I mean, really? Can’t you live without drinking?” The ambassador joked.
Human rights groups have raised concerns about the prospect of a World Cup in Saudi Arabia, with Amnesty saying before the Middle East country has obtained accommodation rights that “workers migrants will be faced with the exploitation, and many will die “.
A major concern has been whether LGBTQIA + people will be victims of discrimination in the country, where people can be condemned to death if they are proven that they have engaged in same -sex sexual acts.
Asked if gay fans could safely attend the most watched sporting event in the world, the ambassador said: “We will welcome everyone in Saudi.”
He continued: “It is not a Saudi event, it is a global event. And to a large extent, we will welcome all those who want to come.”
