Saudi Arabia has expressed its readiness to suspend its alcohol ban to boost its unpopular bid to stage the 2034 World Cup.
Fearing thousands of fans would shun a dry tournament, a compromise deal could see booze sold in hotels and restricted fan zones.
The Arab nation became the controversial favourite to host 2034 after FIFA handed the 2030 tournament to Spain, Portugal, Morocco — plus opening games in Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay.
Critics accused football chiefs of grabbing “dirty money” from a state guilty of appalling human right abuses and the gruesome murder of a dissident journalist.
The Muslim country outlaws alcohol sale and consumption — and foreigners caught drinking face public flogging, huge fines, lengthy imprisonment and deportation.
But a Saudi source said, “Football fans will be allowed to drink if Saudi Arabia stages the World Cup.
It has not been publicly discussed but it is an accepted fact.
"We acknowledge very serious mistakes have been made in the past and want the world to understand that we are changing.”
Last year, Qatar broke its promise to allow beer sales at matches just two days before kick-off — banning sponsor Budweiser’s lager until after the evening call to prayer.
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