Fans are screaming for beer at the World Cup following Qatar's announcement that venues would be alcohol-free just two days before the tournament kicked off.
Chants echoed around the pitch during the first game of the World Cup between the host country and Ecuador.
— World Cup Updates (@wc22updates) November 20, 2022
#ECU fans are chanting "queremos cerveza, queremos cerveza!"
Which translates to "we want beer, we want beer!" pic.twitter.com/mQcn6YKVjN
The updated policy was actually a backflip on a previous ban lift that allowed limited beer sales at designated refreshment stations dotted across football venues.
The upset left Ecuadorian fans less than impressed, even though they won their first round match against Qatar 2-0.
They made their feelings about the boozy backflip clear, with supporters coming together to chant 'queremos cerveza', which translates to 'we want beer'.
Poor lads.
However, There is a way that football fans travelling to the Middle East can still enjoy a brewski or two, but the option sure as hell ain't a cheap one.
These Qatar fans look like they could use a beer.
— Braden Gall (@BradenGall) November 20, 2022
Super keen fans can buy corporate hospitality tickets as those seats are able to be served alcohol.
It'll set you back an eye-watering £19,000 (AUD$33,886), though.
It's worth noting that the sale of alcohol in Qatar is strictly controlled and is typically available in a few select hotels and bars.
But for this World Cup, FIFA and Qatari officials had agreed that fans would be able to purchase beer in stadiums and fan zones throughout the tournament.
In and around stadiums, fans would have been able to purchase alcohol from three hours before kick-off up until one hour after the final whistle.
Fan parks will continue to sell alcohol as normal despite the change of plan from officials, though it will set fans back around £12 ($AUD21) per pint.
A statement from FIFA following the booze ban announcement 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 [nil alcohol beer] 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."
Budweiser responded to the ban on Twitter with a simple, cheeky quip.
The tweet from the offical account said: "Well, this is awkward..."
That tweet has now been deleted.
Featured Image Credit: UK Sports Pics Ltd / Alamy. Dan Grytsku / Alamy
Topics: Football World Cup, Qatar, Ecuador, FIFA
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