Drinking? Never! It's not like Qatar...I can't drink at the 2034 Saudi World Cup
Feb 13, 2025
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Saudi Ambassador to Britain Khalid bin Bandar Al Saud said in an interview with Britain's LBC radio station on the 11th (Korea time) that `Saudi does not currently allow alcohol. There are many fun things without alcohol."There is no exception even if the World Cup is held. Alcohol will not be allowed in restaurants and stadiums as well as in hotels."
FIFA confirmed Saudi Arabia as the host of the 2034 World Cup at an extraordinary general meeting on December 11 last year, in which 211 member countries participated via video conference. Although Saudi Arabia, which has been criticized by the international community for its human rights and media oppression, has continued to be criticized for using soccer for 'sportswashing', FIFA eventually ruled in favor of Saudi Arabia.
As Saudi Arabia became the host of the 2034 World Cup, the issue of allowing drinking naturally emerged as a concern for fans. Qatar, the same Muslim country, banned drinking in stadiums during the 2022 World Cup, but limited alcohol was sold in designated fan zones, licensed hotels and clubs. However, there was a question mark over whether Saudi Arabia, which claims to be the leader of Islam, would follow the same path as Qatar. Ambassador Al Saud said that "like our weather, Saudi Arabia is a 'dry' country" and that "all cultures are different. We will welcome people within the category of our culture, but we cannot change our culture for anyone else."
Saudi Arabia is a country where not only alcohol is prohibited, but also same-sex relationships and transgender people are not recognized. Therefore, there were also concerns about whether LGBTQ fans could visit safely. In response, Ambassador Al Saud said, `We will welcome everyone who comes to Saudi Arabia.' The World Cup is an event around the world. We will welcome anyone who wants to come."
Saudi Arabia is gradually escaping from a closed society, allowing women to drive and establish a theater after Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman al-Saud took power. However, it is still a culture that prioritizes Islamic doctrine, and from the perspective of the outside world, the conservative color is still strong. This is why although it has hosted the 'Worldwide Festival', concerns about whether it can be held properly are not cleared.
This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
