Ban on alcohol sales in World Cup stadiums is demanded by the Qatari royal family just 48 hours before the tournament begins

The Qatari royal family is demanding a complete prohibition on the sale of alcohol in all World Cup stadiums, just two days before the tournament begins.

The host country, where alcohol sales are typically limited to foreigners drinking in licensed hotels and restaurants or non-Muslim residents with special permits in their homes, has asked FIFA to prohibit beer sales at the eight World Cup stadiums.

If the ban is implemented, Budweiser, one of the tournament’s major sponsors, will be unable to sell its beer to fans at the games, potentially breaching a multi-million dollar contract with Fifa.

Discussions about the issue are believed to be ongoing between Budweiser and Fifa, though The Times says the removal of sales of Budweiser is now ‘likely’ after the Qatari royals intervened. MailOnline has reached out to both for comment, but had not received a response at time of publication.

The New York Times reported that this order came from Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, the brother of Qatar’s ruler.