Just two days before the start of the World Cup in Qatar, authorities there have announced that no alcohol will be sold to fans at any of the World Cup’s eight stadiums. It had been announced previously that alcohol would be sold in select areas within stadiums.

However, those in corporate areas of stadiums at the tournament will still be able to purchase alcohol.

Budweiser, a major sponsor of Fifa, is owned by beer maker AB InBev and had exclusive rights to sell beer at the World Cup.

“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,” FIFA’s governing body explained in a statement.

An AB InBev spokesperson said that they could not proceed with some of the company’s planned stadium activations due to circumstances beyond their control.

The Football Supporters’ Association (FSA) criticised the timing of the decision to ban the sale of beer for most fans.

“Some fans like a beer at a game and some don’t, but the real issue is the last minute U-turn which speaks to a wider problem – the total lack of communication and clarity from the organising committee towards supporters,” an FSA spokesperson said.

The World Cup starts on Sunday, November 20, when Qatar play Ecuador.