The Gulf country is associated with tight restrictions on alcohol, yet drinking is part and parcel of European football for many supporters.

Alcohol is still both legal and "available in hotels and various locations", despite not being part of Qatari traditions or culture.

Hassan Al Thawadi, secretary general of the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy (SCDL), has reportedly confirmed the country has banned alcohol in public places during the tournament.

"There will be no alcohol consumption on the streets, squares and public places and that is final," he said, according to AFP.

"Availability of alcohol during the tournament will commensurate with our customs and traditions. 

"Personally, I'm against the provision of alcohol in stadiums.

"The SCDL’s goal was to narrow consumption to specific places, far away from public spaces."

It remains to be seen whether alcohol may be on sale at stadiums at the tournament, which is due to take place in six years’ time.

The 2014 hosts Brazil previously banned alcohol from stadiums, but ultimately signed a deal allowing for the sale of beer during matches at the World Cup.

Al Thawadi stated talks over the sale in stadiums had not taken place with FIFA.

FIFA secretary general Fatma Samoura has claimed the governing body will be respectful of the customs in Qatar.

"We do respect the customs and culture of the country," she said, according to the AFP.

"The last thing FIFA would like to be accused of is that it does not pay attention to these kind of customs."

Alcohol is one of the issues organisers will have to tackle in the build-up to the tournament, which has been dogged by controversies. 

Preparations for the showpiece event have been criticised due to safety concerns at construction sites.