Saudi Arabia has confirmed that alcohol will be completely banned at the 2034 FIFA World Cup, marking a significant cultural stance as the nation prepares to host the global football tournament. In a statement that has already sparked international debate, Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to the United Kingdom, Prince Khalid bin Bandar Al Saud, made it clear that no alcohol will be sold anywhere during the tournament, including in hotels, stadiums, or designated fan zones. The announcement follows FIFA’s confirmation that Saudi Arabia will be the official host of the men’s World Cup in 2034, a decision that has been met with both enthusiasm and scrutiny.
Prince Khalid, speaking in an interview with LBC, emphasized that alcohol consumption does not align with Saudi Arabia’s cultural and legal framework and that visitors will be expected to respect the country’s policies. He dismissed concerns that the restriction might impact the fan experience, stating that “plenty of fun can be had without alcohol—it’s not 100% necessary.” When pressed on whether exceptions might be made for fans drinking in their hotels, as was permitted at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, he responded unequivocally that “there is no alcohol at all.”
The strict alcohol ban underscores Saudi Arabia’s broader approach to hosting the tournament while maintaining its cultural values. Unlike Qatar’s last-minute reversal on stadium alcohol sales in 2022—where alcohol was initially expected to be available but was ultimately restricted to certain fan zones and hotel bars—Saudi Arabia has made its position clear from the outset. The announcement has raised questions about how FIFA and international sponsors, particularly beer companies that traditionally hold major sponsorship deals with the World Cup, will navigate these restrictions.
The decision also places a spotlight on broader concerns regarding human rights and inclusivity in Saudi Arabia. With same-sex relationships illegal and transgender identities not recognized under Saudi law, advocacy groups have raised concerns about how LGBTQ+ fans and visitors will be treated during the tournament. Prince Khalid, however, sought to reassure the international community, stating, “We will welcome everyone in Saudi. It is not a Saudi event, it is a world event, and to a large extent, we will welcome everyone who wants to come.”
Despite these assurances, Saudi Arabia’s hosting of the World Cup remains controversial, with critics accusing the kingdom of engaging in ‘sportswashing’—using its growing investments in international sports to shift focus away from its human rights record and environmental impact. Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, have warned that the tournament could lead to “severe and widespread rights violations,” calling on FIFA to ensure that the event does not legitimize or overlook systemic abuses.
With Saudi Arabia rapidly emerging as a powerhouse in global sports, investing billions in football, Formula 1, and golf, the 2034 World Cup is poised to be one of the most watched and scrutinized tournaments in recent history. As preparations begin, global attention will remain fixed on how Saudi Arabia balances its ambitious sporting ambitions with the expectations of the international community.
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