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World

Saudi Arabia’s beer ban shows why it shouldn’t host the World Cup

13 February 2025

4:46 PM

13 February 2025

4:46 PM

Football fans attending the 2034 World Cup in Saudi Arabia will not be allowed to buy alcohol during their time there. Hands up anyone who is surprised. The sale of alcohol is outlawed in the desert kingdom, and penalties for consumption include flogging, jail or deportation.

Prince Khalid bin Bandar Sultan Al Saud doesn’t come across as someone who spends much time in pubs

The Saudis are also notoriously indifferent to the notion of human rights, so they’re hardly likely to respect the desire – some might describe it as a basic right – of some football fans to have a few...

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