Budweiser is now offering a massive warehouse-sized slab of free beers to the winning country of the World Cup following Qatar’s alcohol ban at game venues.
The American beer company is one of the sponsors for the tournament and was previously allowed to sell beers at World Cup stadiums.
But Qatar decided to prohibit the sale of alcohol inside stadiums just two days before the World Cup kicked off.
Confirming the ban, a statement issued by FIFA read: "Following discussions between host country authorities and FIFA, a decision has been made to focus the sale of alcoholic beverages on the FIFA Fan Festival, other fan destinations and licensed venues, removing sales points of beer from Qatar's FIFA World Cup 2022- stadium perimeters.
"There is no impact to the sale of Bud Zero which will remain available at all Qatar's World Cup stadiums. Host country authorities and FIFA will continue to ensure that the stadiums and surrounding areas provide an enjoyable, respectful and pleasant experience for all fans.
"The tournament organisers appreciate AB InBev's understanding and continuous support to our joint commitment to cater for everyone during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022."
Reacting to the news, in a since deleted tweet, the official Budweiser account read: "Well, this is awkward..."
The beer brand, which allegedly allocated USD $75 million (AUD $113.6m or £62m) to honour their deal with FIFA, has now been asked to relocate their stands.
Footage shared online over the weekend also showed staff members moving tents bearing Budweiser's logo to new locations.
Workers at a World Cup stadium hustling over the weekend to move a beer tent after an edict from Qatar hide sales points to less visible locations around all 8 stadiums amid claims of safety fears. pic.twitter.com/FSnT73JYrj
— tariq panja (@tariqpanja) November 14, 2022
However, Budweiser, the World Cup’s exclusive beer sponsor, will continue to sell its alcohol-free Bud Zero product.
Alcohol-free beer? It doesn’t exactly scream World Cup festivities. You might as well pour yourself a Shirley Temple over some ice.
But now, as an alternative, Budweiser is generously offering free cans of beer to the country that comes out on top in the tournament.
New Day, New Tweet. Winning Country gets the Buds. Who will get them? pic.twitter.com/Vv2YFxIZa1
— Budweiser (@Budweiser) November 19, 2022
In the wake of Qatar’s announcement, many football fans have been left outraged.
According to Fox Sports, during the first match between Qatar and Ecuador, fans reportedly began chanting, 'queremos cerveza', which translates to 'we want beer'.
Ah sorry lads, perhaps you can enjoy a cold one back at the hotel.
Featured Image Credit: Budweiser/Twitter. Ionel Sorin Furcoi / Alamy Stock Photo
Topics: News, World News, World Cup, Sport, Football, Food And Drink
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