A B.C. brewery was hoping to host a World Cup street party next week, but FIFA says they are not allowed.
Patina Brewing was planning a family-friendly block party for the Canada vs. Switzerland match on Wednesday. They wanted to shut down the street and add outdoor screens for the big game.
The brewery said it followed FIFA’s application process, received city approval and lined up local sponsors and vendors, including a fundraiser for PoCo FC.
“We were involving the PoCo FC, which is our local soccer association; we were raising money for them so that they can help the underprivileged children play soccer in our community,” Sarah Harbord, Patina Brewing’s director of operations, said.
However, this week, FIFA denied the application.
“As your organization operates in a category that directly competes with one of FIFA’s commercial partners, it is not eligible to host, sponsor, exhibit at, or otherwise be associated with a public viewing event relating to the tournament,” the statement read.
Megan Spletzer, Patina Brewing’s events coordinator, told Global News they were surprised at the rejection.
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“Because we just didn’t think that that was going to be an issue,” she said.
“We didn’t think that that would be the main reason that we couldn’t host our party.”
FIFA said Patina is competition for its official beer producer, AB InBev, which operates in 50 countries and generates roughly $60 billion in revenue a year.
Port Coquitlam’s mayor, Brad West, said it was disappointing to learn of FIFA’s decision.
“You know, yesterday everyone swept up in World Cup fever and Canada has a historic win and then you get a reminder like this that FIFA are a bunch of arseholes,” he said.
“So I was pretty disappointed. I think this is probably why they have the reputation that they do.”
Patina can still show the matches inside the brewery, but the street party is off.
Staff said it will continue finding ways to support PoCo FC and bring people together during the World Cup.
Throw up some TVs outside anyways Who cares what fifa has to say about it. If too many people stop to watch it… oh wells.
I just can’t stop sucking co ck!!
FIFA is one of the most corrupt organizations in the world so it’s not a surprise they refuse a request like this. If they think it will take money out of their pockets they’re selfish.
FIFA and their fans are the biggest fcking goofs in the world
“@ Former PMJT ”
There you are my “little potato” or as I more affectionately call you, my “little poutine” because I love feeling your gravy in my beard.
Listen, my darling, I am having my own world cup party,maybe you would like to come by and fill my net with your balls.
As your former PM,let me tell you,there is nothing I know more about than arseholes and balls.
The best part of a street party is it’s am excellent venue for getting some groping in and if I am going to be watching a bunch of men playing with their balls,that’s exactly where I want to be.
Corporate owned media has been Awfully quiet concerning our inept pm lately…where is the lawer Putz?? He’s done absolutely NOTHING since the corporations elected him…
HE DOESN’T BELONG IN OFFICE
West is not wrong
If AB Inbev is smart, they would write POCO FC a check after FIFA being FIFA.
However, AB Inbev employs hundreds on bc employees, Budweiser is produced in BC, and Mich Ultra is made in Edmonton. I get they are a huge multi national corporation, however they are a BC employer.
Why do you need to ask FIFA anything in your city or country??? Just close the street and make the party!!!
For once, a politician speaks on behalf of the people. FIFA is just like the Olympics committee. Communist in its ways.
So Brad West thinks FiFa are a bunch of arseholes what does he think taxpayers think about him creaming a $350,000 a year salary ” hypocrite “
How can FIFA tell Canadians what to do inside of Canada,, bloody ridiculous
Can’t really argue with the guy.
Many visit are of asking why is such a dangerous and scary city? Who is mayor?
agree 100% with your statement
“You know, yesterday everyone swept up in World Cup fever and Canada has a historic win and then you get a reminder like this that FIFA are a bunch of arseholes,” he said.
Ohhh, f *uck you West. Laws are laws, you little cu. nt.
THAT’S WHAT YOU GET FOR HOSTING the WORLD CUP !!! MASSIVE DEBT and S H I T
Df