Saudi Arabia has announced that no alcohol will be available during the 2034 World Cup, as confirmed by the country’s ambassador to the UK, Prince Khalid bin Bandar Al Saud.
In a statement made on LBC radio, Prince Khalid emphasized that the ban on alcohol extends throughout the tournament period, covering all venues including hotels.
The ambassador stressed the cultural reasons behind the prohibition, stating, “At the moment, we don’t allow alcohol. Plenty of fun can be had without alcohol—it’s not 100% necessary.”
He further clarified that, unlike the 2022 World Cup in Qatar where alcohol was permitted in certain areas, Saudi Arabia will maintain a complete ban.
The announcement comes after FIFA confirmed Saudi Arabia as the host of the men’s World Cup in 2034.
The decision has reignited discussions about the cultural and legal restrictions in the country, including its stance on same-sex relations and the non-recognition of transgender individuals.
Despite these issues, Prince Khalid assured that “we will welcome everyone in Saudi. It is not a Saudi event, it is a world event.”
Critics have accused Saudi Arabia of using its significant investment in sports to distract from its human rights record and environmental concerns, a practice commonly referred to as ‘sportswashing.’
Amnesty International has expressed concerns that hosting the World Cup could lead to severe human rights violations.
