During next month’s World Cup in Qatar, there will be areas for drunk fans to sober up, the country’s chief executive said.
Organizers of an event sponsored by a major beer brand and often associated with beer-drinking fans face unique challenges when organizing the World Cup in a Muslim country with strict alcohol controls.
Reuters reported in September that Qatar will allow ticketed fans at matches three hours before kickoff and one hour after the final whistle, but not during games. In an interview published on Thursday, Qatar 2022 chief executive Nasser Al Khater said anyone who overdoes it will be taken care of.
“I know there are plans in place for people to sober up if they’ve been excessively drinking,” Al Khater said, adding that it’s to ensure they’re safe and not harming others or themselves and that it’s “a good idea”.
Also, Al Khater assured LGBTQ+ fans that they would feel comfortable in Qatar. As in many Middle Eastern countries, homosexuality is illegal in Qatar.
“Quatar welcomes everyone and everyone will feel safe,” he said when asked what his message to LGBTQ+ fans was.
