Stadium stands at the 2022 World Cup are set to be “alcohol-free” zones, with beer sales outside arenas only allowed before and after some matches.
A source with knowledge of plans for the upcoming football tournament exclusively revealed to Reuters that, as this year’s World Cup is the first to be held in a Muslim country with strict controls on the purchasing and consumption of alcohol, stands inside stadiums are to be “alcohol-free” zones.
Qatari laws surrounding alcohol are said to be presenting some “unique challenges” for organisers of such a sporting event that tends to not only be associated with beer-drinking fans, but also by global brewing brand sponsors.
According to Reuters, organisers will allow alcoholic sales outside of the venues before and after certain matches – but there will be a complete ban on inside stadiums.
This latest insight provided by the source comes after there has long-been a question mark over alcohol at this year’s tournament since the Qatar state won the rights to host the World Cup back in 2010, as although it is not a completely “dry” state like neighbouring the Saudi Arabia, consuming alcohol in public places is illegal in Qatar.
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Stadium stands at the 2022 World Cup are set to be “alcohol-free” zones / Credit: Pixnio
However, according to the source and a recent document published last month, spectators will able to buy beer during restricted times in certain parts of the main FIFA fan zone in the Al Bidda park in the Qatari capital of Doha.
“Unlike previous World Cup fan zones, beer won’t be served all day long, but at restricted times,” the source added.
The document also shows that alcohol will be available for 15,000 to 20,000 fans on a disused corner of the Doha Golf Club as well – but this is said to be some kilometres away from stadiums and the main fan zone.
Organisers are set to only allow alcoholic sales outside of the venues before and after certain matches / Credit: Ellen Kerbey (via Unsplash)
A spokesperson for the organisers, Qatar’s Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy, told Reuters that, together with FIFA, that they will announce plans on the availability of alcohol at the upcoming 28-day tournament “in due course”.
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The spokesperson said: “Alcohol is already available in designated areas in Qatar, such as hotels and bars, and this will not change in 2022. With the aim of catering to visiting fans in 2022, alcohol will be available in additional designated areas during the tournament.”
The price of beer inside the fan zones and close to the stadium has also not yet been agreed, the source said.
AO Arena are hosting an ‘Evening 4’ Ricky Hatton in memory of the legendary Manchester boxer
Danny Jones
Manchester is set to host a night of remembrance and celebration in honour of the late, great, local boxer, Ricky Hatton.
Coming this summer, the AO Arena – where Hatton enjoyed so many of his iconic moments – will be holding the first-ever ‘Evening4Ricky’ later this year.
Held at the legendary sports and live entertainment venue just in time for summer, we still know very little about what the actual event will entail.
Sharing the news on social media, AO Arena said: “Join us for an unforgettable night of entertainment as Manchester comes together for Evening4Ricky.
“This will be a spectacular, unique celebration of the life, spirit and legacy of one of the city’s most beloved icons – Ricky ‘The Hitman’ Hatton.”
With seats priced at £25, fans are being encouraged to join the early bird sign-up to secure access to discounted tickets.
They go on to add: “Hosted at the legendary AO Arena, home to so many of Ricky’s big fights, featuring a superstar cast of legends from the worlds of boxing, music, comedy and entertainment.”
So, we do at least know there’ll be some famous faces coming along to help make it a memorable Manc moment, just a few months on from the city and beyond uniting for his public funeral procession.
Ricky was beloved not only by the Greater Manchester community but was a popular figure and friend to many in the sporting and showbiz industries.
The homegrown ‘Pride of Hyde‘ tragically left us on 14 September 2025 at the age of just 46, but his passing has once again helped reassert the importance of having more conversations around wellbeing, suicide prevention, and most specifically, men’s mental health.
You can find more information and see how to grab tickets right HERE.
This isn’t the only charitable in memoriam event happening across the region in the coming weeks, either, as Mancs will be gathering to pay tribute to another fellow inspiring sportsman.
Man jailed for stalking, strangling, and raping woman in Manchester
Emily Sergeant
A man has been jailed this week for several offences including rape, strangulation and stalking while living in Manchester.
Jack-Leland Webster – previously Jack Malone – of Cedar Road, Earl Shilton in Leicester, appeared at Manchester Crown Court and was sentenced yesterday (8 April 2026) after being found guilty of rape and strangulation, following pleaded guilty to stalking the victim at a previous hearing.
The incidents took place back in June2024, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) explained, when Webster had accused the victim of cheating with her ex-boyfriend.
The victim had been in communication with her ex after he had reached out to her to let her know he was ‘concerned’ after he found out that Webster had been impersonating him to message the victim and test her loyalty throughout their relationship.
As the victim attempted to exit the flat, Webster blocked the doorways to prevent her from leaving. He then proceeded to get on top of the victim and while he strangled her, said: “Don’t make me kill you. If you do, I’ll have to kill myself so we can be dead together,” before proceeding to sexually assault her.
While on bail, Webster purchased numerous fake social media accounts to follow and contact the victim, as well as her family and her friends, which was in breach of his no contact conditions. On one occasion, the victim was followed by over 100 accounts on a social media platform in a matter of seconds.
During police interviews, Webster denied all charges against him.
When an officer tried to arrange his second interview, Webster was described as being ‘obstructive’ and even told the officer to “pick me up from KFC” and “catch me if you can”.
“Webster showed no remorse throughout the investigation and treated it as a game,” GMP said following his sentencing.
As mentioned, Webster pleaded guilty to stalking before he went to trial, where a jury found him guilty of rape and strangulation. And then Wednesday 8 April 2026 at Manchester Crown Court, he was sentenced tonine years and five months in prison.
He has also been given an indefinite restraining order.
Emily Sergeant -
8th July 2022 
