Socceroos fans livid at last-minute booze ban at 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar 

Aussie fans who have ventured to the Middle East for the World Cup are furious over the last-minute liquor ban enforced by Qatar’s authorities, while onlookers say the atmosphere in the city is ‘flat’.

Qatar made a shocking decision on the sale of alcohol in stadiums, which was confirmed by FIFA two days before the opening of the World Cup.

The decision is believed to be in the best interests of the local population and minimize security concerns as Qatar remains a city with strict alcohol controls.

An Aussie fan, Warren Livingstone, who is the leader of Australia’s fanatical group, said the announcement was poorly received.

Socceroos fans stand in a stadium in Munich during Australia’s match against Brazil in the 2006 FIFA World Cup

“I think people will be disappointed,” Livingstone said Fox Sports.

The leader is one of 250 fanatics who traveled to Doha for the Middle East’s first-ever host country tournament and believes the decision was not in ‘World Cup spirit’.

“It’s not just the fact that you can’t drink, but I think just the whole process and the way they did it… I think that’s what disappointed people the most,” Livingstone said.

It’s not even the beer issue, it’s just the whole feel of it… (Drinking in stadiums), it’s not just about getting pissed off, it’s about interacting with other fans… I feel like putting that on the last moment was not in the spirit of the World Cup.’

Aussie Socceroos fans pictured with beer in hand at the 2006 World Cup festival in Germany

Following the public announcement, Budweiser posted a hilarious tweet captioned “Well this is awkward…” – but it has since been deleted.

While Budweiser’s “Bud Zero” is still on stadium shelves, the $75 million sponsorship deal with FIFA is sure to meet backlash.

Alcohol sales are mainly found in hotels in Qatar, as the Muslim nation prohibits its presence on the streets.

Budweiser had a brutal dig at FIFA and Qatar authorities after the no-beer rule was announced at the stadium – the post has since been deleted

Livingstone said the city itself was “a bit flat” and is preparing for another World Cup given the venue and lack of Australian supporters, adding to concerns over Covid and Australia’s late entry into the campaign.

Fans on Twitter continued to denounce Qatar’s conservative ideals and expressed disdain for LGBTI communities.

Unless a particular fan can afford to pay more than AUD$33,000 for the cheapest suites at a match, alcohol is a no-go zone.

Those lucky enough to get a seat in a box will be promised “soft drinks, beers, champagne, sommelier-selected wines and premium spirits” before, during and after the competition.

A Budweiser employee serves beer at the opening of the FIFA Fan Festival – these are the only places fans can enjoy a beer in the city’s atmosphere

Qatar did not ban alcohol at the World Cup. If you are elite and in a company box, you can drink as much alcohol as you want. Alcohol is only banned for regular people sitting in the stands watching their team,” one sarcastic fan posted.

Qatar previously promised to honor all sponsorship deals, but now thousands of Budweiser crates and refrigerators are empty.

Fans must now find solace in a can of soda or a bottle of water as daytime temperatures reach 30 degrees during winter in Qatar.