FIFA Changes Rules, Bans Reusable Water Bottles from World Cup Stadiums

The Athletic, a US sports news website, reported on Wednesday that FIFA has changed its rules at the last minute, banning fans from bringing reusable water bottles into World Cup match venues, meaning thirsty fans will have to purchase bottled water inside the stadiums.

According to an AFP report, last month, the official FIFA Stadium Code of Conduct stated: "For the avoidance of doubt, empty, transparent, reusable plastic bottles with a capacity not exceeding 1 liter may be brought into the venue."

However, The Athletic reported that the rules have now been changed to explicitly prohibit bringing reusable water bottles into the venues.

The updated code of conduct states: "For the avoidance of doubt, reusable water bottles may not be brought into the venue."

In a statement to AFP, a FIFA spokesperson said the rule change was based on security concerns, noting that some World Cup venues already prohibited bringing reusable water bottles.

The statement said, "FIFA is committed to ensuring the health and safety of all players, referees, fans, volunteers, and staff... FIFA's decision to ban water bottles is to prevent risks and injuries to players and on-site personnel."

The statement added, "For security reasons, some venues already prohibited bringing outside water bottles. FIFA is now extending this rule to all match venues." It also stated that the price of bottled water sold inside the venues will remain at the same level as during other events at the stadiums.

FIFA said it will set up misting stations, fans, water refill stations, and cooling tents around the venues.

Experts have warned that fans could face health risks from extreme heat in open-air stadiums during this World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, but FIFA has decided to implement the new rule.

A report released last month by World Weather Attribution estimated that 26 of the 104 matches in this World Cup will be played under conditions where the Wet-Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) exceeds 26 degrees Celsius. WBGT is an index of human heat stress that considers temperature, humidity, wind speed, and solar radiation.