Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to the UK has said that fans travelling to the 2034 World Cup will not be able to buy beer in the country.
Prince Khalid bin Bandar bin Sultan Al Saud replied that there would be ‘no alcohol at all’ when asked about the matter on radio station LBC.
‘Rather like our weather, it’s a dry country,’ he added. ‘At the moment we don’t allow alcohol, but you know, plenty of fun can be had without alcohol.
‘It’s not 100 per cent necessary. And you know, if you want to drink when you leave, after you leave, you’re welcome to. But at the moment, we don’t have alcohol.’
The comments would appear to clear up any confusion similar to that ahead of the 2022 World Cup in nearby Qatar, where the sale of beer in stadiums was banned two days before kick-off after months of uncertainty.
However, insiders have told Mail Sport that there may well be a relaxing of Saudi’s laws within the next decade which would allow fans to buy booze in places such as hotels.
Travelling football fans will not be able to drink alcohol at 2034 World Cup in Saudia Arabia
Saudi Arabia were awarded football’s biggest international tournament back in December
The sale of beer was banned in stadiums at 2022 World Cup in Qatar just days before the event
‘Everyone has their own culture and we’re happy to accommodate people within the boundaries of our culture, but we don’t want to change our culture for someone else,’ the Prince added. ‘And I mean, really, you can’t live without a drink?’
The sale and consumption of alcohol is strictly prohibited in Saudi Arabia. Foreigners caught drinking can face public flogging, fines, imprisonment and deportation.
‘We will welcome everyone in Saudi,’ he continued. ‘It is not a Saudi event, it is a world event. And to a large extent, we will welcome everyone who wants to come.
‘We have come a long way and there’s still a long way to go. Our principle is to develop something that is right for us.’
