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Footage shows moment fan is caught sneaking booze into World Cup stadium

28 November 2022 By Christian Smith

With the last-minute decision to ban alcohol sales in World Cup stadiums, fans have been making their feelings known. And footage of one fan’s esoteric method for attempting to sneak booze into a match has gone viral online.

A fan tries to sneak booze into the World Cup — Credit: Twitter/ @2022_QatarWC

On the eve of football’s biggest global event, officials in Qatar made the decision to ban alcohol sales in World Cup stadiums.

The move put major FIFA sponsor Budweiser in an awkward position, though the AB InBev-owned brewer has since spun the jeopardy with a clever marketing solution: the winner of the World Cup gets all the beer they were unable to sell.

A statement released by FIFA at the time of the decision being made 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.”

And fans were quick to make their feelings on the situation know. During their opening fixture against Qatar, Ecuador supporters were heard chanting “we want beer!”.

Footage has since circulated of one incident that purports to show a World Cup fan attempting to sneak alcohol into a stadium using a pair of binoculars.

When officials examined them, it quickly became clear that something was afoot. One officer removed a screw cap between the two lenses and reportedly detected alcohol inside.

Footage of the moment was posted to Twitter.