FIFA president Gianni Infantino and soccer fans continue to clash in the latest chapter of the World Cup beer saga.
At a press conference Saturday, Infantino said that fans will “survive” if they are not able to drink beer for three hours.
The FIFA boss had to defend the federation’s position on the topic after the Qatari government abruptly changed courses on its alcohol policy Friday, banning the sale of beer in and around stadiums after initially agreeing to sell it.
At the World Cup’s first match, a 2-0 win for Ecuador over Qatar, Ecuadorian fans were chanting “queremos cerveza” — or, “we want beer” in Spanish.
Budweiser reportedly pays $75 million per World Cup cycle for the rights to be the tournament’s exclusive beer provider.
Saturday’s press conference was a remarkable moment for Infantino, who will run unopposed for re-election as president in March.
In an hour-long rant, the 52-year-old called out the “racism” and “hypocrisy” from European countries, while defending Qatar’s handling of migrant workers and LGBTQ+ issues.
