The Qatari people will welcome football fans from all walks of life, Emir Sheikh Tamim Hamad al-Thani said at the UN General Assembly.
FIFA has also issued reassurances about safety. After Qatari officials stated earlier this year that rainbow flags would be taken from fans to ensure their safety, the world governing body later clarified that those at the venues will be allowed to carry flags representing the LGBTQ+ community’s colors.
The mere mention of something that is a fundamental freedom in any progressive country was notable, as was the concession that appeared to be a favor. We (Qatar) have a set of values that we expect the rest of the world to respect. Of course, we are not believers in PDA (public display of affection). But we are also programmed to welcome people from all walks of life.
Inside the stadium bowl ticket holders will have access to non-alcoholic Budweiser Zero, the world governing body of football announced. Budweiser will be available for purchase at the FIFA Fan Festival beginning at 6.30 p.m.
It will still be a cautious, non-negotiable act for fans to access alcohol within the organizers’ designated areas.
Alcoholic beverages are part of the FIFA World Cup, so we’ll have them. Excuse me if I sound arrogant, but that is something we will not negotiate, said FIFA General Secretary Jerome Valcke at the time.
