The government of Saudi Arabia wants to permit football fans to drink liquor on the off chance that the nation is offered to host the 2034 World Cup. The Muslim-majority country denies the dealing and consumption of liquor.
However, they could permit alcohol to be sold in lodgings and limited “fan zones” in the event that they get the opportunity to host the competition.
The Arab nation became a contender for the 2034 World Cup after FIFA decided the 2030 competition to be held in Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, in addition to opening games in Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay. After the signing of global soccer icon Cristiano Ronaldo, Saudi Arabia is now taking steps to increase the popularity of the sport in their country and establish itself as a soccer powerhouse.
BREAKING: Morocco, Portugal and Spain will jointly host FIFA World Cup 2030.
Uruguay, Argentina & Paraguay will each organize one match of the 2030 World Cup to celebrate 100 years since the first edition of the competition in Uruguay in 1930, FIFA announces pic.twitter.com/ygPySr1EVx
— Larry Madowo (@LarryMadowo) October 4, 2023
This declaration has created a ton of contentions and pundits had cautioned FIFA that to permit the oil-rich state to have the competition would be ‘sports washing’, concealing its ‘atrocious’ human rights record. A source told The Sun: “We acknowledge very serious mistakes have been made in the past and want the world to understand that we are changing.”
President of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF), Yasser Al Misehal, said in a statement released on the SAFF website ‘We believe the time is right for Saudi Arabia to host the FIFA World Cup.”
Saudi Arabia have officially announced their bid to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup 🇸🇦🏆 pic.twitter.com/A44rKBJAkL
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) October 4, 2023
The sale and consumption of liquor are completely disallowed in Saudi Arabia and outsiders discovered drinking can confront public flagellating, fines, detainment, and deportation. Be that as it may, the nation seems to have loosened up its position with the possibility of facilitating the 2034 World Cup.
Saudi Arabia bends matrimonial bylaws for Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo moved to Al Nassr after his second spell at Manchester United ended with a whimper. He was dropped by Erik ten Hag before giving an unsanctioned interview to Piers Morgan in which he slammed the manager, the Glazer family ownership, and more. Ronaldo moved his family to Saudi Arabia after his controversial exit from Manchester United and settled them in a luxury property.
Ronaldo and his partner Georgina Rodriguez are not married; however, they will be permitted to live together in Riyadh regardless of the fact that it is unlawful, on severe strict grounds, per Saudi regulation.
🚨 Saudi Arabia are set to bend their marriage laws to allow Cristiano Ronaldo and Georgina Rodriguez to live with each other.
Saudi Arabia’s rules prohibits unmarried couples from living together. 🇸🇦
(Source: EFE) pic.twitter.com/eFQ6oIOynP
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) January 7, 2023
“Although the law still prohibits cohabitation without a marriage contract, the authorities have begun to turn a blind eye and not persecute anyone,” a pair of Saudi lawyers told Agencia EFE. “Of course, these laws are used when there is a problem or a crime.”
Cristiano and Georgina started dating in 2017. She gave birth to the couple’s first child five months after they started dating.
They were expecting twins in April of last year, but in an unfortunate turn of events, only one child could survive. Thus, Cristiano Ronaldo is the father of five children. It’s worth mentioning that, despite being in a relationship for six years, Cristiano and Georgina are yet to marry. She recently stated that she feels like she is married to the Portuguese legend.