Sports World up in arms - As Saudi Arabia BANS alcohol in upcoming World Cup

Saudi Arabia, which was officially announced as the World Cup host in December 2023, has upheld the prohibition of alcohol since 1952, aligning with Islamic principles that prohibit consumption.

In an interview with British radio station LBC on Wednesday, Ambassador Khalid bin Bandar emphasized that while alcohol will not be part of the tournament experience, “plenty of fun can be had without alcohol.” He added, “It’s not 100% necessary. If you want to drink after you leave, you’re welcome to, but at the moment we don’t have alcohol.” The ambassador further questioned the necessity of alcohol, saying, “And I mean, really, you can’t live without a drink?” He noted that Saudi Arabia’s culture is a “dry country,” referencing the nation’s longstanding ban, and expressed that the kingdom does not wish to change its culture to accommodate others. “Everyone has their own culture,” he said. “We’re happy to accommodate people within the boundaries of our culture, but we don’t want to change our culture for someone else.”

This decision follows the example set by neighboring Qatar, which similarly did not sell alcohol at stadiums during the 2022 World Cup, though beer was available in designated fan zones and some hotels. FIFA has also confirmed that it will not press local organizers to allow beer sales in stadiums during the 2034 tournament, mindful of the backlash in Qatar when alcohol sales were initially planned before being rescinded.

Saudi Arabia’s alcohol policy has been in the spotlight as the kingdom seeks to expand its influence in global sports. The nation’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) has heavily invested in various sports ventures, including acquiring the Premier League’s Newcastle United and launching the LIV Golf tour. Critics have voiced concerns over Saudi Arabia's human rights record, particularly in relation to women's rights and the LGBTQ+ community, accusing the country of using sports as a form of “sportswashing.”

In response to questions about the safety of LGBTQ+ fans attending the World Cup, Ambassador Khalid bin Bandar assured that all individuals would be welcome. “We will welcome everyone in Saudi. It is not a Saudi event, it is a world event. And to a large extent, we will welcome everyone who wants to come,” he stated. This sentiment was echoed by Hammad Albalawi, the head of Saudi Arabia’s World Cup bid unit, who assured in September that LGBTQ+ fans would be respected and their privacy maintained, pointing to the millions of fans who have visited Saudi Arabia for various sports events in recent years.

However, the legal environment for LGBTQ+ individuals in Saudi Arabia remains highly restrictive. Homosexuality is illegal, and individuals may face severe punishment, including imprisonment, if found guilty of engaging in same-sex sexual activities. There are also no public advocacy groups for LGBTQ+ individuals in the country. Despite these laws, both FIFA and Saudi officials have emphasized that the World Cup will be a global event welcoming people of all backgrounds, though some critics remain concerned about the risks faced by LGBTQ+ fans.

Further scrutiny has been directed at Saudi Arabia’s treatment of migrant workers, many of whom are expected to be involved in the construction of new stadiums and infrastructure for the tournament. Amnesty International and the Sport & Rights Alliance (SRA) have raised alarm over potential human rights violations, including discrimination, exploitation, and deaths among migrant workers. The kingdom enforces a controversial labor system known as “kafala,” which ties workers to specific employers, and has faced repeated criticism for restricting labor rights.

Despite these ongoing concerns, Ambassador Khalid bin Bandar remains resolute in defending Saudi Arabia’s approach, noting that the World Cup is a global celebration and not solely a reflection of the host country’s culture. “It is a world event,” he reiterated. “We will welcome everyone who wants to come.”