Qatar bans beer sales at World Cup stadiums

World Cup fans in Qatar will not be allowed to buy alcohol at the tournament's eight stadiums.

The sale of alcohol is strictly controlled in Qatar, and it had to relax its restrictions to allow FIFA sponsor Budweiser to sell its products outside World Cup match venues and fan zones. Now, fans have been told they cannot buy beer at any games during the tournament.

The U-turn comes 48 hours before the competition's opening game between Qatar and Ecuador at the Al Bayt stadium in Al Khor on Sunday.

Qatar had originally ordered Budweiser stands to be less prominent, but now alcohol won't be sold at all at stadiums - with the exception of corporate spectators.

Those in corporate hospitality at stadiums will still be allowed to drink alcohol.