Alcohol will not be sold to fans at the World Cup’s eight stadiums in Qatar after FIFA changed its policy two days before the start of the tournament.
Alcohol was set to be served “in select areas within stadiums”, despite its sale being strictly controlled in the Muslim country.
Those in corporate areas of stadiums at the tournament will still be able to purchase alcohol.
The World Cup starts on Sunday with Qatar facing Ecuador.
Budweiser, a major sponsor of FIFA, is owned by beer maker A-B InBev and had exclusive rights to sell beer at the World Cup.
Budweiser posted a message on Twitter on Friday saying, “Well, this is awkward” before the post was later deleted.
A spokesperson from A-B InBev said that they could not proceed with “some of the planned stadium activations” because of “circumstances beyond their control”.
The Football Supporters’ Association (FSA) criticised the timing of the decision to ban the sale of beer for most fans.