[jolepp]

Beer must be sold at all venues hosting matches in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, football's world governing body, Fifa, has insisted.

Fifa General Secretary Jerome Valcke said the right to sell beer must be enshrined in a World Cup law the Brazilian Congress is considering.

Alcoholic drinks are currently banned at Brazilian stadiums and the country's health minister has urged Congress to maintain the ban in the new law.

Brewer Budweiser is a big Fifa sponsor.

Mr Valcke is visiting Brazil to press for progress on the much-delayed World Cup law.
...
In remarks to journalists in Rio de Janeiro, Mr Valcke sounded frustrated with Brazilian officials: "Alcoholic drinks are part of the Fifa World Cup, so we're going to have them. Excuse me if I sound a bit arrogant but that's something we won't negotiate," he said.

"The fact that we have the right to sell beer has to be a part of the law."

Alcohol was banned at Brazilian football matches in 2003 in an attempt to tackle violence between rival football fans.

Health Minister Alexandre Padilha and other members of Congress have called for the ban to be maintained.
...

BBC News - Beer 'must be sold' at Brazil World Cup, says Fifa

[JinDesu]

Well, I'm sure those Brazilian fans will be just as rowdy without beer.

[Jasvox]

I wonder if FIFA is prepared to put their money where their mouths are if things get out of control due to a bunch of rowdy, drunk football supporters? On the other hand, the beer ban is just at the stadiums whilst the match is in play, not the countless bars and tents in every major city the games will be held. In the USA, NCAA sports are always alcohol free...sales that is.

Now, if they could just ban the vuvuzela.


Jason