2022 FIFA World Cup: Fans threaten to shun Qatar World Cup over shortage of beer in the Arab country. A Tax hike on Alcohol is believed to be the reason for the scarcity.
The upcoming Football World Cup in 2022 refuses to dial down on controversies. Last month former UEFA president Michael Platini was arrested following an investigation into the decision to award Qatar the World Cup back in 2010.
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Accusations of corruption have been doing the rounds over how Qatar won the right to host the event. Allegations of bribery and corruption in the selection process involving members of FIFA’s executive committee are being investigated by FIFA.
On 6 August 2018, former FIFA president Sepp Blatter claimed that Qatar had used “black ops”, suggesting that the bid committee had cheated to win the hosting rights. The host nation has also faced strong criticism due to the treatment of foreign workers involved in preparation for the World Cup.
Fans have now threatened to abandon Football’s most prestigious Quadrennial showpiece event. However, the threats have nothing to do with either the corruption scandal or Human rights violation allegations. The decision to skip the 2022 FIFA world cup, for most people, has come down to beer, or the lack thereof.
No beer in Qatar
The Sun have reported that The Qatar Distribution Company, the nation’s sole alcohol supplier, has failed to deliver barrels of Heineken, Stella and Guinness for two weeks without explanation. As a result, the fans have threatened to shun the tournament unless the situation resolves itself.
An expat pilot said (Per Sun): “It’s unbelievable. Everywhere is running out. The government seem determined to stop everyone drinking or having fun. If this isn’t sorted, they’ll be hosting the most miserable World Cup ever.”
The shortage is linked to a 100 per cent tax on all imported alcohol and pork. The tax introduced by the government in January has caused the prices to sky rocket. According to the report, Foreigners face jail if caught drinking in public. So they pay up to £11 a pint in hotels.
It remains to be seen if the Qatar Government revoke the tax following the outcry or will they remain firm in their stand and risk losing out on revenue from potential visitors to the country come 2022.
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