Beer-free game showings frustrate migrant workers on Qatar’s outskirts

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“Watching the game is about coming together, relaxing. I wish I could have a drink.” As well as tourists, Peter Kaname, 34, from Ghana, is also frustrated by the Qatari regime’s restrictions on where drinking is allowed at the World Cup.

Kaname wanted to consume beer while watching Denmark and Tunisia with friends, this Tuesday (22), in the Fan Zone near his home, but it is not allowed. The space offers the product only in the non-alcoholic version.

Like his colleagues, he lives in Asian Town, a neighborhood on the outskirts of Doha known for hosting foreign men who are in Qatar to work in construction and infrastructure. Most of them come from countries like Nepal, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, India and Ghana.

Kaname traveled to Qatar, without family members, to work. For this reason, he values ​​moments of leisure with friends, such as when watching, on a hot afternoon, the game that ended 0-0.

“But I have to respect [as regras sobre álcool], because I have to work, I have no choice. Since I can’t lose my job, I better calm down, “she says.

Last week, the Qatari regime, through the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy, decided to ban the sale of the drink inside and around stadiums.

After the decision, an official statement from Fifa stated that the sale of beer would take place in other locations.

“Following discussions between the host country and FIFA, a decision was taken to focus on the sale of alcoholic beverages at the Fan Festival, other tourist destinations and authorized outlets, removing beer outlets from the perimeters of the 2022 World Cup,” he said. the entity.

The drink is one of the favorites of office boy Shiva, 22, who left Nepal for Qatar to work about a year ago. “I would like to have a beer while I was watching the game,” he says.

The party where Kaname and Shiva were was set up for workers to watch the matches without having to leave the region. Most live in a complex built exclusively for men who work in construction and infrastructure.

It is also why, when looking at the large stands of the neighborhood cricket court, occupied in part by the Fan Zone, one does not see women.

The seats, which went around most of the field, were taken by men. Reserved, the small area dedicated to female fans was practically empty —during the game, the space was occupied by men who organized the event.

Less than ten women passed through the place — and they drew attention, amid about a thousand men.

At certain times, the music was silenced and the screens placed for the games indicated that it was time for prayer. Hardly anyone followed the ritual.

Asian Town’s Fan Zone has simple decor and somewhat decadent attractions, unlike those set up in the central region of Doha, which have large living spaces and various leisure options.

On the outskirts of the city, a dribbling and goal-kicking competition was organized, in addition to other games.

Enough, however, for the workers to enjoy themselves. Each game formed long queues and, with each dribble, an “olé”, each in its own language. The unknown colleague’s goal was celebrated, and the space seemed able to guarantee fun during the World Cup.

There was also more tranquility in the space. The area didn’t seem designed to receive tourists, from the menu to the organization. The bartenders were from Nepal and India and didn’t speak English.

Menu options were simpler than those offered in more central Fan Zones, and queues were non-existent. Non-alcoholic beer was not successful.

Security guard Tesh Mutuku, 25, for example, is more into strong drinks. He would accept, however, the company of a beer – with alcohol – during the games. He only stays in the country for three months and then returns to Ghana, his homeland.

“For me, any drink would be enough,” he says.

THE Sheet the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy has stated that alcoholic beverages are only sold at FIFA’s Fan Festival and in authorized bars and hotels. FIFA has said that all responsibility for the Fan Zones lies with Qatar.

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