Saudi Arabia says that there will be no alcohol sales allowed at the 2034 FIFA World Cup

When FIFA awarded Qatar with hosting rights for the 2022 World Cup, it was thought as the height of the governing body’s corruption. After all, FIFA overlooked human rights violations, the extreme weather and a bribery scandal to let the tournament go forward as planned.

Well, never underestimate FIFA’s ability to reach new lows.

In an obvious ploy to circumvent the normal hosting rotations, FIFA was able to award Saudi Arabia with 2034 hosting rights by putting portions of the 2030 World Cup in three continents. We’re nine years out from those games in Saudi Arabia, and the oil-rich nation with a dreadful human rights record is already drawing hard lines on the tournament experience: Alcohol sales won’t be allowed at all. Anywhere in the country.

Asked whether Saudi Arabia will make exceptions similar to how Qatar handled alcohol sales in 2022, Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to the UK Prince Khalid bin Bandar Al Saud said via BBC:

“No, there is no alcohol at all.

“Rather like our weather, it’s a dry country. Everyone has their own culture. We’re happy to accommodate people within the boundaries of our culture but we don’t want to change our culture for someone else.”

Qatar had initially said it would allow beer sales at matches before reneging on that agreement two days before the tournament. It allowed alcohol sales in hotels and designated fan areas, though. Saudi Arabia’s complete ban on alcohol sales is a huge departure from that, and it will almost certainly become an issue with FIFA’s sponsors.

Despite the major issues in Qatar, AB InBev renewed its agreement with FIFA for the 2026 World Cup. But given what Saudi Arabia is already saying about alcohol sales, it’s difficult to see that partnership continuing into 2034.