India, May 26 -- Saudi Arabia on Monday denied media reports that the kingdom would lift its 73-year-old ban on alcohol, prohibited for Muslims under Islam, as part of reform plans in the lead up to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup.

The purported plan, reported by a wine blog last week, said Saudi authorities were mulling to allow alcohol sales in tourist settings as the kingdom prepares to host the mega sporting event. The report did not mention the source for this information.

The report ignited an online debate among people in the kingdom, which calls itself as the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques - Islam's most revered places in Mecca and Medina.

Saudi Arabia and Kuwait are the only Gulf countries that prohibit the sale of alcohol. Si...