Alcohol Ban Confirmed for 2034 FIFA World Cup in Saudi
FIFA sources confirm no alcohol sales in stadiums for the 2034 FIFA World Cup, aligning with Saudi Arabia's strict laws.
Football fans attending the 2034 World Cup in Saudi Arabia will not be able to purchase alcohol in stadiums, FIFA sources have confirmed. This decision aligns with Saudi Arabia’s long-standing ban on alcohol, which has been in place since 1952. Unlike Qatar, where limited alcohol sales were allowed during the 2022 World Cup, Saudi Arabia enforces stricter laws that prohibit alcohol even in luxury hotels.
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Lessons from Qatar’s 2022 World Cup
FIFA’s decision comes after challenges faced during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Initially, beer sales were planned in stadiums, but the Qatari government reversed the decision just two days before the tournament began. This move resulted in the removal of thousands of kegs of Budweiser and cost FIFA approximately £40 million in compensation to its sponsor, AB InBev, the company behind Budweiser.
At Qatar’s World Cup, only Bud Zero and soft drinks were available in stadiums, with limited beer sales restricted to a FIFA fan zone where prices reached £12 per pint. Despite the setback, AB InBev extended its partnership with FIFA through the 2026 World Cup and is sponsoring the 2025 Club World Cup.
Saudi Arabia’s Conservative Stance
Saudi Arabia is known for its conservative policies, which are stricter than Qatar’s. Alcohol sales remain banned nationwide, with one exception: a tightly regulated shop in Riyadh that sells alcohol only to non-Muslim diplomats under strict quotas. FIFA sources have stated there is no intention to pressure the Saudi government to relax its alcohol laws for the tournament.
While the stance on alcohol sales in fan zones and hotels remains uncertain, FIFA has indicated that stadium alcohol sales are off the table.
Saudi Arabia’s Influence on FIFA
Saudi Arabia’s close relationship with FIFA has grown in recent years, largely due to significant financial support. The state oil company Aramco is contributing £320 million as part of a four-year sponsorship deal, while the country’s Public Investment Fund is set to invest in Dazn, the streaming company that paid FIFA £800 million for Club World Cup broadcasting rights.
With a decade to go before the tournament, FIFA and Saudi Arabia are expected to maintain a cooperative approach while respecting the kingdom’s cultural and legal boundaries.