Saudi Arabia has pushed back on a report claiming the Muslim majority country would partially lift its ban on alcohol in preparation for the 2034 World Cup.
An official today was pressed to deny that Riyadh was planning to relax its 73-year ban on alcohol after a report to the contrary passed through foreign media.
The initial report appeared on a wine blog last week and said that Saudi authorities were planning to allow the controlled sale of alcohol ahead of the World Cup.
There were whispers that authorities were open to selling wine, beer and cider at licensed venues, while maintaining a ban on drinks with greater than 20% ABV.
Booze would remain banned in public, homes, shops, and fan zones, per the report.
