- Brazil is preparing to host the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
Brazil had since 2003 banned alcohol sale at football matches in order to tackle fan violence and hooliganism, but FIFA demanded that the country change this law as according to FIFA’s General Secretary Jerome Valcke, “Alcoholic drinks are part of the Fifa World Cup”.
In response to FIFA’s demand, the brazilian president Dilma Rousseff has signed into law a bill that in principle allows the sale of beer during 2014 World Cup matches.
Valcke had earlier made it clear that the right to sell beer must be enshrined in legislation on the World Cup in the Brazilian Congress.
“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.” He added.
Beer maker Budweiser is one of Fifa’s biggest sponsor.
