The hosts of the 2022 FIFA World Cup have provided plenty of surprises this week, from accommodation that is ill-equipped to handle the soaring desert temperatures to a last minute restriction on alcohol sales.
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While the booze ban remains officially in place, non-alcoholic drinks are selling in stadium bars instead of Budweiser. But some licensed alcohol premises remain open to fans.
South Australian Socceroos fan Oscar Sanchez told ACM he had no trouble finding bars selling liquor and was dealing with a hangover to match.
"Qatar has arranged enormous beach clubs, electronic dance music festivals and enormous A-list artists at the FIFA fan festival, all free of cost."
FIFA released a statement on Friday saying alcohol would be tightly controlled and only available in the FIFA Fan Festival and some other licensed venues.
"Vibe is unreal and unlike popular belief you can drink everywhere," Mr Sanchez claimed.
"The locals are super accommodating and very happy for us to be here" the fan said.
Meanwhile, FIFA's ticketing system caused chaos on the second day of gameplay, locking supporters out of England's match against Iran for 40 minutes.
The wealthy middle eastern nation Qatar built seven new stadiums for the event and refurbished another.
The close proximity of stadiums allows fans to move between matches freely.
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"Over here all stadiums are a $40 uber ride away" Mr Sanchez said.
Fans were able to pack more soccer into their schedule with reduced travel time, he said.
Mr Sanchez has attended three previous World Cup tournaments in Russia, Brazil and South Africa.
"This has never been possible in any other World Cup, unless you can somehow fly" the fan said.
The World Cup revelry continues as Australia gears up to face Tunisia on Saturday at 9pm AEDT.
Anna Houlahan
Reach out with news or updates to anna.houlahan@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Reach out with news or updates to anna.houlahan@austcommunitymedia.com.au
