April 23, 2013. The FIFA will be granted the right to sell and advertize alcohol drinks inside the stadiums and next to them during the World Football Championship 2018 in Russia. The corresponding amendments to the draft bill on World Cup 2018 have been directed by the Sports Ministry to the Russian Government, Izvestiya reports.

Under the terms of the said draft law, during the competitions as well as during the drawing for the purpose of matching the teams to play with one another (two days before the preliminary or the final drawing and up to the day immediately following the drawing) ‘it is possible to advertise the products by manufacturers of wine, champagne, beer and beer-based drinks, as well as the manufacturers themselves.’ Incidentally, one can only advertise the name of the product or of the company, and this manufacturer must be FIFA’s partner and act in compliance with the FIFA’s approval.

It should be noted that the World Cup 2018 currently has only one strong drinks partner, Anheuser — Busch InBev that makes Budweiser.

The Sports Ministry explains that the amendments to the bill are targeted at meeting the government’s guarantees that a limited advertising area would be created at all the stadiums and within 2km of them.