England and Wales fans will be banned from drinking alcohol during the 2022 World Cup games in Qatar

ENGLAND and Wales fans will be banned from drinking during the World Cup games in Qatar this winter.

Fifa bosses have agreed with the Muslim host country that bars in stadiums will remain closed between kick-off and the final whistle.

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But fans can buy beer, wine and spirits before and after games when they reach the grounds.

A World Cup source said: “Plans are still being finalized at the stadiums but the current discussion is to allow fans to drink beer on arrival and exit the stadium, but no beer will be served during the game or inside the stadium Bowl.”

Formal confirmation of the drinking rules will come ahead of the tournament, which begins on November 21 in Doha.

International hotels serve alcohol, as does the official Fifa fan zone at Al Bidda Park in the center of the capital, although bars will have restricted opening hours.

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Qatari police are expected to crack down on public drunkenness even in the fan zones, while no drinking is allowed outside the strictly controlled areas.

But in addition to the fan zone, there will also be a drinking area at Doha Golf Club, which can accommodate up to 20,000 fans, while there will be another dancing and drinking area in the city.

The restrictions won’t come as too much of a shock to British fans as drinking alcohol within sight of the pitch is still banned, although bars are open at half-time.

At the 2018 World Cup in Russia, the only beer available in the stadiums – apart from the hospitality areas where full bar service was available – was non-alcoholic beer.

It comes as tournament bosses discuss changing the format of the 2026 event – including DOUBLING the number of games for the expanded 48-team setup.

If agreed, this plan would mean the world champions play EIGHT games.

Changes are being considered as organizers fear the 16-group, three-team plan could see unofficial deals in the final game to ensure both sides pass.