FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022: Fans Shares Hilarious Memes Of Sneaking Beer Into Stadiums

After Qatar controversially prohibited the selling of beer in their stadiums at the last minute, many fans have started sharing memes and methods of sneaking in alcoholic beverages into the stadiums to drink during the event.

The controversial decision by Qatar and FIFA to ban selling alcohol in the stadiums was met with mockery and anger online. Brewing company Budweiser, who had a $75 million deal in place with FIFA to exclusively sell alcohol in the stadiums, found itself promising to give the stored beer to the winning side for free due to the sudden ban, according to The Guardian.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino claimed after the ban was announced that the organization had unsuccessfully tried to convince Qatar to honor their agreement with Budweiser to sell alcoholic beverages in the event, but to no avail.

Fans from Ecuador on Sunday started chanting, “We want beer!” across the stadium during the country’s match against Qatar, among other derisive chants that appeared to overwhelm the chants favorable to Qatar. The match ended in Ecuador's favor 2-0, the Bro Bible reported.

Online fans, who noticed the more dour expressions on Qatari fans after their surprising opening game loss against Ecuador, have mockingly recommended that maybe they need to drink beer to take the edge out of the losses.

In a cascading effect that showed how many soccer fans were willing to risk imprisonment and fines from Qatari authorities just to be able to drink, many started sharing memes online about how they could sneak in beer into the stadium, including a picture of a can of beer being covered by the Coca-Cola symbol–though the picture itself was shot in the U.K. this summer, according to the Daily Star.

Those who are caught violating the law can face up to six months in prison or a fine of $846, depending on the severity of the crime.

Many fans can still buy non-alcoholic beverages in the stadiums if they so desire, and those who are willing to wait can buy alcoholic beverages in Doha at the Red Lion pub owned by bar tycoon James Bailey.