This Fifa World Cup, let football, not alcohol, drive the spirit of the game in Hong Kong

Many football fans will be enjoying a cold beer while watching their favourite teams compete for the Fifa World Cup in Russia. However, beer and football is definitely not a winning combination when it comes to health.

Is alcohol really a must for the match experience? The experience of Sochi’s 2014 Winter Olympics, which prohibited the sale of alcohol inside sports stadiums and arenas as well as within 50 metres of some sports venues, is an inspiring example which shows that a global sporting event without alcohol can still be successful and enjoyable.

Many alcohol-drinkers are not aware of the harmful consequences. The toxic effect of alcohol affects nearly every part of the body, exerting both immediate and long-term effects on our health. It can cause more than 200 diseases or health conditions, including multiple major cancers and stroke.

Some studies have tried to suggest that drinking in moderation is good for health. However, as alcohol is cancer-causing, there is in fact no safe level of drinking.

Alcohol is quickly absorbed into our body and produces an immediate tranquillising effect, followed by disinhibition. Alcohol also impairs our brain function and self-control. The more alcohol consumed in a shorter period of time, the larger the negative effects on the brain and behaviour, and the higher the chance of suffering from a range of harms.