Football fans attending the 2034 World Cup in Saudi Arabia will face a stark restriction: the country’s strict alcohol ban means they will not be able to purchase or consume alcoholic beverages during the tournament. This decision comes as little surprise given the Kingdom’s longstanding prohibition on alcohol, which carries severe penalties, including flogging, imprisonment, or deportation for violators.
The announcement, confirmed by Saudi Ambassador to the UK Prince Khalid bin Bandar Sultan Al Saud, emphasized that while alcohol will be banned within the country, visitors can enjoy it after leaving Saudi Arabia. In a statement that some may find patronizing, the ambassador assured fans that “plenty of fun can be had without alcohol,” suggesting that drinking is not essential to enjoying the World Cup experience.
Prince Khalid also defended the ban by stressing the importance of respecting different cultural values, stating, “Everyone has their own culture and we’re happy to accommodate people within the boundaries of our culture.” His dismissive tone toward Western norms surrounding alcohol, asking, “And I mean, really, you can’t live without a drink?” further highlighted the cultural divide between Saudi Arabia and many international football fans.
While the ban may upset some supporters, it also casts a larger spotlight on the controversial decision to award Saudi Arabia the 2034 World Cup. Critics argue that the decision raises significant concerns about FIFA’s integrity and its prioritization of financial interests over human rights.
In December 2024, FIFA expedited the bidding process, leaving Saudi Arabia as the sole bidder for the tournament. The hosting rights were granted during a virtual congress where decisions were made by acclamation rather than vote, drawing criticism from football associations worldwide, including the English Football Association.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino claimed that this voting process demonstrated unity within the football community. However, many observers were skeptical, particularly given the Saudi regime’s track record on human rights. Similar promises of reform were made when Russia hosted the 2018 World Cup, followed by its invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Likewise, Qatar’s promises of social progress ahead of the 2022 World Cup have largely gone unfulfilled.
Critics argue that Saudi Arabia’s bid was not about fostering change but rather a strategic move to enhance its global image. The Kingdom’s use of major sporting events, including Formula 1, golf, and boxing, as a form of “sportswashing” — a tactic to divert attention from its repressive political climate — is becoming more evident. Now, with the World Cup added to this list, the Saudis aim to use the prestige of the tournament to polish their global image, despite ongoing human rights concerns.
While the alcohol ban may be seen as a minor issue in the grand scheme of things, it highlights the growing influence of money and politics in the world of sport. As Saudi Arabia continues to assert its control over the narrative surrounding its international events, the role of FIFA in this equation remains under scrutiny.
As the 2034 World Cup draws nearer, fans may have to come to terms with the reality of the tournament’s location, and the accompanying restrictions. The Saudis’ growing presence in global sport seems to be heralding a new era where the balance of power, and the desires of the fanbase, are increasingly disregarded.
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