In a surprising policy change, the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) has announced that fans will no longer be allowed to bring reusable water bottles into World Cup stadiums. This decision, which was made just seven days before the tournament's kickoff on June 11th, is due to safety concerns.
Previously, the official stadium code of conduct had stated: "For the avoidance of doubt, empty, transparent, reusable plastic bottles up to 1 litre in capacity may be brought into the stadium." However, this policy has now been revised. Along with water bottles - cups, jars and cans have also been prohibited.
FIFA explained that this move aims to lower the risk of injury caused by fans throwing these items as missiles. This change comes despite previous allowances for such items and has left many fans puzzled.
FIFA released statement:
"Fifa is committed to protecting the health and safety of all players, referees, fans, volunteers, and staff,"
Water availability and pricing in stadiums
Despite this ban on personal water containers, FIFA assures that fans will still have access to hydration within stadiums. They will be able to purchase water at regular venue prices without any additional charges imposed due to this new policy.
FIFA added:
"Fifa works closely with each host city committee and local authorities on heat mitigation factors for fans travelling 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."
This assurance is particularly important given warnings from scientists about inadequate heat safety measures for the tournament. With temperatures expected to exceed dangerous levels at 14 out of 16 host venues during matches timeslot. The sudden shift in policy has sparked complaints among football enthusiasts who are already grappling with high ticket prices and inflated train fares associated with attending World Cup matches. The Free Lions England fan group described it as a "strange late change". It's worth noting that similar restrictions were implemented during the last World Cup held in Qatar where fans were also prevented from bringing their own bottles into stadiums.
Free Lions England fan group released statement:
"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.
"Naturally, the immediate thought from supporters is this is just the latest money-grab. For how hot the stadiums will be, many in open air, just let fans bring a bottle if they want to. We hope the water fountains in stadiums will still be free, hopefully you aren't charged in the queue!"
While FIFA’s decision might seem abrupt or inconvenient for some spectators who prefer bringing their own water bottles, the organization maintains that this move is necessary for ensuring safety within stadiums. As the World Cup draws near, fans around the globe will be watching closely to see how these changes impact their match-day experience.
