Saudi Arabia's ambassador to the United Kingdom said that Saudi Arabia, which is hosting the FIFA World Cup in 2034, must not drink alcohol. Saudi Arabia's ambassador to the UK, Khalid bin Vandar Sawood, said in an interview with British LBC radio on the 12th (local time): "Alcohol is not allowed in Saudi Arabia at this time. Even without alcohol, there are a lot of happy things. Even if the World Cup is held, there are no exceptions. Not only hotels, but also restaurants and stadiums are not allowed to drink alcohol. ”

Saudi Arabia, which has been set to host the 2034 World Cup

On December 11 last year, FIFA confirmed Saudi Arabia as the host of the 2034 World Cup at an extraordinary general meeting attended by 211 member states via video conference. Saudi Arabia has been criticized by the international community for women's human rights and media repression, and there have been repeated criticisms of Saudi Arabia for using football for "sports whitewashing", but FIFA ultimately supported Saudi Arabia.

With Saudi Arabia becoming the host of the 2034 World Cup, it is only natural that the issue of "allowed drinking" has also become the focus of fans' attention. Previously, at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the sale of alcohol also attracted the attention of fans, Qatar banned the consumption of alcohol inside the stadium, but allowed it in designated fan zones and licensed hotels and clubs.

The beer counter set up in the fan festival area at the time of the 2022 Qatar World Cup

But the Saudi plan simply does not allow drinking. Saudi Ambassador to the UK Khalid bin Vandar Al Sawood emphasized: "Just like our weather, Saudi Arabia is a 'dry' country. All cultures are different. We will welcome people within the confines of our culture, but we cannot change our culture for other people. ”

Homosexuality is currently illegal in Saudi Arabia and transgender people are not recognized, and when asked if these fans would be able to visit Saudi Arabia freely and safely, Saudi Ambassador to the UK Khaled bin Vandar Al Sawood explained: "We will welcome everyone who comes to Saudi Arabia. The World Cup is a worldwide event. We will welcome everyone who wants to come. ”