Germany team official Oliver Bierhoff said Saturday he “could not understand the decision” to ban beer from stadium perimeters at the Qatar World Cup.
World governing body FIFA announced Friday that beer would not be sold to fans around any of the eight World Cup stadiums following “discussions” with the hosts.
It gave no reason for the stunning U-turn just two days before the start of the tournament in the Islamic nation, where beer is largely prohibited.
Former Germany striker Bierhoff said FIFA and Qatari authorities should have announced the decision earlier.
“(The decision) is unfortunate and brings in uncertainty,” Bierhoff said. “Of course, beer is part of the tournament.
“I cannot understand the decision and especially the timing. There was enough time for that beforehand.”
Germany captain Manuel Neuer acknowledged fans “do not like” the decision.
“The short-term nature (of the decision) and the spontaneity is what the fans don’t like. It would have been better to say it from the beginning.”
Author
World Cup News
-
Football
/ 1 month agoSpain Prime Minister says football boss apology over kiss ‘insufficient’
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Tuesday blasted as “insufficient” the apology given by...
By AFP -
Football
/ 1 month agoSpain World Cup hero Carmona pays tribute to father who died before final
Spain’s Women’s World Cup hero Olga Carmona paid tribute to her father on Monday...
-
Football
/ 1 month agoWatch: Spain’s Hermoso defends Rubiales kiss at Women’s World Cup
Spain midfielder Jenni Hermoso defended Spanish football federation president Luis Rubiales after he came...
By AFP -
Football
/ 1 month agoWorld Cup showcases progress but also challenges for women’s football
Sunday’s World Cup final between England and Spain is the final act of a...
By AFP