FIFA World Cup: Last-minute alcohol restrictions in Qatar disrupt Welsh fans. Read here

Qatar’s last-minute ban on alcohol before noon spoiled a few parties planned by Welsh fans and supporters. As per media reports, ‘Gol Cymru’, a children’s charity initiative, had planned a few get-togethers ahead of Wales’s game against Iran. However, the alcohol ban foiled their pre-match event, which was to take place at the InterContinental Hotel in Doha.

‘Gol Cymru’ is a charity initiative supported by the fans of Wales’s football team. Therefore, organizing get-togethers before the team’s world cup games is an important opportunity. The charity had organized a similar event before Wales’s opening game against the USA that ended in a draw.

Organizer Leigh James said that the pre-match event had to be cancelled after Qatari authorities imposed a ban on the sale of alcohol before 12 pm on Friday. The UK Foreign Office also reminded the Welsh, English, and Scottish fans that consuming alcohol in public was an offence in Qatar. Right before the FIFA World Cup 2022, Qatar also banned the sale of alcoholic beverages in the stadium.


‘Gol Cymru’ will now be hosting two events, first before Wales vs England game on November 29 and the other on a later date. James commented on the cancellation, saying things were out of his control. He apologized on behalf of the hotel and advised the people to expect the unexpected in Qatar.

Paul Corkrey of Wales Football Support’s Association said they (Qataris) were consistent because they consistently changed the rules. He added that the pre-match event would’ve been a great place for people to gather before heading to the game and make new friends.

FAQs

• When will Wales face England?
Wales will face England on November 29.

• Who was the organizer of the event?
Leigh James