Mueez Ajao
– England’s Eric Dier says alcohol isn’t needed “to create a great atmosphere” after Fifa announced last-minute alcohol ban for World Cup stadiums.
– Fifa changed its policy two days before the tournament kicks off in Qatar.
– Alcohol was set to be served “in select areas within stadiums”, despite its sale being strictly controlled in the Muslim country.
Also Read: Qatar reverses decision, bans alcohol sales at World Cup stadiums
– “I’d like to think you can enjoy yourself with or without alcohol,” Dier said on Saturday.
– “It’s up to us as a team and every team in the tournament to bring great football, exciting football and that’s what is going to create a great atmosphere in the stadiums.”
– People in corporate areas of stadiums at the tournament will still be able to purchase alcohol.
– The World Cup starts on Sunday when hosts Qatar play Ecuador.
– In his news conference on Saturday, Fifa president Gianni Infantino said: “I think if, for three or four hours a day, you cannot drink a beer, you will survive.”
– Dier added: “Players and fans feed off each other and we need to be the ones to initiate that with good football.
– “The football is the fundamental thing in creating that environment.”
– England get their campaign under way against Iran on Monday
