It's odd how Europe has much more lax alcohol laws compared to NA, like drinking in a park.
However, they are super strict with stadium consumption whereas in NA it's almost pushed on your to consume alcohol while at an event.
I'm starting to REALLY wonder how many traveling fans will be going to Qatar? I have a feeling that it's not a lot and the rest of the stadium will be filled with workers. The atmosphere is probably going to suck.
The sport of football has had lots of fan related problems over the years...enough to say that I think not having alcohol in the stadium at any major tournament wouldn't surprise me.
Yeah the reversal is weird for sure...TBH I was surprised that alcohol would be allowed in the stadiums to start with because I had heard about it being not available at past tournaments in the stadiums, and it wasn't available at the WC Qualifier I went to.
Honestly I'm more surprised FIFA / Budweiser is allowing this - the sponsor is the one that is probably most pissed off, even more than fans. As a fan you should easily be able to go 2-3 hours without a beer...but for Budweiser that's potentially a lot of sales (although Qatar probably will just pay them anyways and that concern goes away).
Sure, but they're not all alcohol related. When I was in Paris for the UCL final the booze was flowing and the only people acting like asses were the 'presumably' sober cops.
Alcohol causes problems, no doubt, but treating people like crap and pissing them off tends to cause more.
And yeah, Budweiser, one of your top sponsors are going to be pissed. Granted, they've probably figured this out ever since the tournament was awarded to Qatar, but a last minute policy reversal? I'd think its fair to say Budweiser aint happy.
I know the Qataris dont care, they literally care about nobody other than themselves, but if FIFA wants to keep their gravy train rolling, they have to keep the sponsors happy.
__________________ The Beatings Shall Continue Until Morale Improves!
This Post Has Been Distilled for the Eradication of Seemingly Incurable Sadness.
The World Ends when you're dead. Until then, you've got more punishment in store. - Flames Fans
If you thought this season would have a happy ending, you haven't been paying attention.
It's odd how Europe has much more lax alcohol laws compared to NA, like drinking in a park.
However, they are super strict with stadium consumption whereas in NA it's almost pushed on your to consume alcohol while at an event.
I'm starting to REALLY wonder how many traveling fans will be going to Qatar? I have a feeling that it's not a lot and the rest of the stadium will be filled with workers. The atmosphere is probably going to suck.
Would you go? I sure as hell wouldnt.
Look at last year, I went to the UCL final but only because it was moved from Russia to Paris.
Go to Qatar...no way.
__________________ The Beatings Shall Continue Until Morale Improves!
This Post Has Been Distilled for the Eradication of Seemingly Incurable Sadness.
The World Ends when you're dead. Until then, you've got more punishment in store. - Flames Fans
If you thought this season would have a happy ending, you haven't been paying attention.
It would be pretty special to have 2 million Canadians pack Parliament Hill with massive screens set up to watch the WC Final. I would go, and pack nothing but a winter jacket and flasks of rye.
It would likely be the largest gathering of Canadians in human history.
I’m going to be in Europe for most of the knockout stages. First time in Croatia and going to be there from December 9th to 15th. I hope Canada gets through, but if not I really hope Croatia does go deep. It would be awesome.
I recommend skipping Ottawa and coming to Yonge and Dundas for a real CMNT party. And it will only be -10 versus -18. Come jeer Giordano and Brodie while you're here too.
It would be pretty special to have 2 million Canadians pack Parliament Hill with massive screens set up to watch the WC Final. I would go, and pack nothing but a winter jacket and flasks of rye.
It would likely be the largest gathering of Canadians in human history.
I'm not sure what the situation is like right now but isn't quite a bit of Parliament Hill closed or torn up for construction and rehab of the Centre Block and other buildings. I don't know if it would be an ideal place for a viewing party right now.
From what I read there is basically a Fifa sponsored beer gardens every evening. And you can drink at your hotel.
The bigger "concern" for those who get concerned about anything, is the assurances like this one (selling beer at games) that Qatar made as a condition of getting the bid back when, are changed last minute.
But, World Cup or not, you make a choice to travel to these countries with the understanding things are vastly different then hopping across other international borders, and abiding by local customs, no matter how backwards they may be, are a not an option.
And Qatar is doing this for it's own honor and to show the world it can. On a smaller scale, that's similar to Liv Golf from the Saudi's...it's not about turning a profit, it's showing it's "power" to the world.
Edit, reminds me a bit an episode of the brilliant English comedy, Yes Minister.
