Qatar no longer willing to accept criticism lying down

A “f*** you to the West” is how well-placed observers described Qatar’s sudden decision to ban beer at the World Cup stadia; two fingers to all those who remain focused on how the tournament even came to be here rather than the football itself.

Even in the final days before Qatar’s national team kicks off this World Cup with their match against Ecuador, the central narrative has not shifted from the Arab state’s human rights record and its attitudes towards the LGBTQ+ community.

When it opened the main fan zone to the international media on Wednesday, the headlines were dominated by the extortionate price of Budweiser — and the fact that alcohol will not be served until 7pm — rather than the provisions made for