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.
![Rev. Fr. Anthony Odiong, a US-based Nigerian Louisiana Catholic priest, was arrested in Florida on Tuesday for possessing child pornography, according to law authorities. The suspect is reportedly accused of many other cases of sexual assault. The Waco, Texas, Police Department announced in a Facebook post on Tuesday that officers detained Father Anthony Odiong in Ave Maria, Florida, with assistance from the United States Marshals Service. Waco police announced in March that they had received "credible information" about a sexual assault allegedly committed by Odiong in Texas in 2012. “During the subsequent investigation, a case of possession of child pornography was uncovered,” the police said. The priest was apprehended in Florida by the Caribbean Regional Fugitive Task Force. The Waco Police Department said that he will be extradited to Texas. Odiong had previously served in the Archdiocese of New Orleans before being removed as priest in December of last year due to controversy over homilies in which he claimed, among other things, that the Catholic Church was being taken over by "the gays." At the time, the priest was also accused of abusive behaviour; a Louisiana lady claimed in U.S. bankruptcy court that Odiong had committed both financial and sexual abuse against her. Prior to joining the New Orleans Archdiocese, Odiong served in at least two Texas parishes. On Tuesday, Waco police stated that during their sexual assault investigation, "the presence of other survivors was revealed." “Multiple women have come forward to tell similar experiences as the sexual assault survivor who reported the initial allegation,” the police department said. “Survivors’ experiences ranged from sexual assault and indecent assault, more commonly recognised as groping, and financial abuse, with some survivors experiencing every element of Anthony Odiong’s manipulation.” The police said they “believe there may be more survivors, and we wish to speak with anyone who [has] had similar encounters” with the priest. The Archdiocese of New Orleans issued a brief news release on Tuesday noting Odiong's arrest in Florida. The archdiocese “encourages anyone with any information to contact law enforcement,” the release said.](https://chronicle.ng/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/ezgif-6-4730550ede-450x300.jpg "Anthony Odiong: Nigerian Catholic priest sentenced to life in prison over sexual assault")
