FIFA has banned football fans from bringing refillable water bottles into World Cup venues in a last-minute policy change that will force thirsty supporters to pay for bottled water.
As recently as last month, FIFA’s official stadium code of conduct had the following clause: “For the avoidance of doubt, empty, transparent, reusable plastic bottles, up to (1 litre in) capacity, may be brought into the stadium.”
However, The Athletic reported on Wednesday that the restrictions had been updated to clearly prohibit reusable bottles.
“For the avoidance of doubt, reusable water bottles may not be brought into the stadium,” an updated stadium code of conduct reads.
A FIFA official told AFP that the rule change was made for safety reasons, stressing that numerous World Cup sites have previously prohibited the use of reusable water bottles.
“FIFA is committed to protecting the health and safety of all players, referees, fans, volunteers, and staff,” the statement read.
“FIFA made the decision to prohibit bottles to prevent risk and injury to players and attendees.
“Outside bottles are already prohibited at several of these venues for safety considerations, and FIFA is applying this consideration across its tournament stadiums.”
The statement states that misting stations, fans, hydration stations, and cooling tents will be available within the stadium footprint.
Bottled water will be sold at prices consistent with other events held at each stadium.
Experts warn that extreme heat at open-air venues during the World Cup, co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico, may pose health risks to fans.
According to a report issued last month by the World Weather Attribution research group, 26 of the 104 World Cup games are projected to be played in conditions with a Wet Bulb Global Temperature (WBGT) greater than 26 degrees.
WBGT measures heat stress on the human body by combining temperature, humidity, wind, and sunshine.
Last year’s FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, where fans complained about scorching temperatures, supporters were also prohibited from taking water bottles into venues.
