×
App Icon
The Standard e-Paper
Stay Informed, Even Offline
★★★★ - on Play Store
Download App

Countdown to 7 pm: World Cup opens with host Qatar Vs Ecuador

FILE - Qatar's coach Felix Sanchez reacts during the international friendly soccer match between Serbia and Qatar, at the Rajko Mitic stadium in Belgrade, Serbia, Thursday, Nov. 11, 2021. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic, File)


Given the level of focus on the Qatari regime, its attitudes toward human rights, immigrant workers, the LGBTQ community - and beer - the World Cup host's soccer team has slipped under the radar.

Qatar opens the tournament against Ecuador on Sunday, but even the buildup to that match has been overshadowed by Friday's announcement that the sale of beer will be banned inside the stadium grounds.

Premium Article

Get Full Access for Ksh299/Week.

Fact-first reporting that puts you at the heart of the newsroom. Subscribe for full access.
Continue Reading  →
What you get
  • Unlimited access to all premium content
  • Ad-free browsing experience
  • Mobile-optimised reading
  • Weekly newsletters & digests
Pay via
M - PESA
VISA
Airtel Money
Secure Payments Kenya's most trusted newsroom since 1902
Support Independent Journalism

Stand With Bold Journalism.
Stand With The Standard.

Journalism can't be free because the truth demands investment. At The Standard, we invest time, courage and skills to bring you accurate, factual and impactful stories. Subscribe today and stand with us in the pursuit of credible journalism.

Pay via
M - PESA
VISA
Airtel Money
Secure Payment Kenya's most trusted newsroom since 1902