Saudi Arabia make controversial alcohol call for 2034 World Cup as ambassador announces rules for fans
Saudi Arabia's ambassador to the UK has confirmed the alcohol rules for fans at the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
Saudi Arabia was formally confirmed as the World Cup host nation by FIFA in December following a controversial uncontested bidding process.
Norway opted to abstain from voting because of 'concerns regarding the current FIFA World Cup bidding process', although the English FA backed the Saudis as hosts.
The decision to host the tournament in Saudi Arabia has drawn criticism from human rights groups, with Amnesty International claiming the decision could 'put lives at risk' due to concerns over the treatment of workers and minorities in the Gulf nation.
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Similar concerns were raised ahead of the 2022 World Cup in neighbouring Qatar. At that tournament, guests were allowed to drink alcohol at designated fan parks despite a strict alcohol ban remaining in place for the rest of the country.
But there will be no such allowances in Saudi Arabia according to its ambassador to the UK, Prince Khalid bin Bandar Al Saudi.
"At the moment, we don't allow alcohol," he told LBC.
"Plenty of fun can be had without alcohol - it's not 100 per cent necessary and if you want to drink after you leave, you're welcome to, but at the moment we don't have alcohol.
"Rather like our weather, it's a dry country."
"Everyone has their own culture. We’re happy to accommodate people within the boundaries of our culture but we don't want to change our culture for someone else,” he added.
"I mean, really? You can't live without a drink?"
Questioned whether LGBTQ+ football fans would be able to safely attend the World Cup, Al Saud added: "We will welcome everyone in Saudi.
"It is not a Saudi event, it is a world event. And to a large extent, we will welcome everyone who wants to come."
Hammad Albalawi, head of Saudi Arabia's bid, previously dismissed criticism from human rights groups over his country hosting the tournament.
"We have come a long way and there's still a long way to go," he said. "Our principle is to develop something that is right for us.
"Our journey started in 2016, not because of the World Cup bid.
"We've launched initiatives granting employees the freedom to move between employers
"Documents of these employees are now uploaded into government systems, ensuring they have rights within their contracts."
Topics: Saudi Arabia, FIFA World Cup, Football, FIFA World Cup
Rory O'Callaghan