Fifa has made a last-minute decision to ban supporters and volunteers from carrying reusable water bottles into World Cup venues this summer.
Many matches during the 48-team tournament, which is held across the United States, Canada and Mexico, will be played during hot weather.
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Fifa said the decision has been made to “prevent risk and injury to players and attendees”, with other items such as cans and cups also banned.
Empty, transparent, reusable plastic bottles were previously allowed under Fifa’s Stadium Code of Conduct, before a late change just a week before the World Cup begins.
Fifa said “misting stations, fans, hydration stations and cooling tents” will be in place around stadiums to help fans stay cool, but drinking water would have to be bought inside venues.
For the first time, every match at this summer’s World Cup will feature a three-minute hydration break for players during each half, regardless of the temperature in the stadium.
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The England supporters’ group, Free Lions, said the move was a “strange, late change” and said Fifa had previously assured them that free water would be available and fans could bring in their own water bottles.
“What next? Suncream banned and fans forced to buy it in stadiums?” the Free Lions posted on X. “For all of the effort they are going to with ‘drinks breaks’ for the players, this is such a strange, late change.
“In all of our discussions, free water availability in stadiums was a key one and we were assured by Fifa that this would be the case, and that fans will have the ability to bring their own water bottle.
“The below graphic was shared. Naturally, the immediate thought from supporters is this is just the latest money-grab.”
“Fifa is committed to protecting the health and safety of all players, referees, fans, volunteers, and staff,” a statement said. “Fifa made the decision to prohibit bottles to prevent risk and injury to players and attendees.
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“Outside bottles are already prohibited at several of these venues for safety considerations and Fifa is applying this consideration across its tournament stadiums.
“Fifa works closely with each Host City Committee and local authorities on heat mitigation factors for fans traveling to the stadium, which can include resources such as misting stations, fans, hydration stations, cooling tents and more around the stadium footprint.
“Inside the stadium footprint, pricing for water bottles for the Fifa World Cup 2026 will remain consistent with other events held at each stadium.”
