FIFA stops fans from bringing refillable water bottles to World Cup games

FIFA has decided fans cannot bring refillable water bottles into World Cup venues. This last-minute change means that supporters will have to buy bottled water, according to a report by The Athletic on Wednesday.

Just last month, FIFA’s official stadium rules allowed fans to bring in empty, clear, reusable plastic bottles with a capacity of up to 1 litre. But now, The Athletic says those rules have changed to clearly ban refillable bottles.

The updated stadium rules state, "For the avoidance of doubt, reusable water bottles may not be brought into the stadium."

A FIFA spokesperson told AFP that this rule change was made for safety reasons. They noted that some World Cup venues already do not allow refillable water bottles.

"FIFA is committed to protecting the health and safety of all players, referees, fans, volunteers, and staff," the spokesperson said. "FIFA made the decision to prohibit bottles to prevent risk and injury to players and attendees."

The spokesperson added, "Outside bottles are already prohibited at several of these venues for safety considerations, and FIFA is applying this consideration across its tournament stadiums."

FIFA also mentioned that there will be misting stations, fans, hydration stations, and cooling tents available in the stadium areas. They said that bottled water inside the venues will be sold at prices that are similar to those at other events held at each stadium.

This rule change comes even as experts warn that fans might face health risks from extreme heat at open-air venues during the World Cup. The tournament is being co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

A report from the World Weather Attribution research group last month said that 26 out of 104 games at the World Cup could be played in conditions where the Wet Bulb Global Temperature (WBGT) goes over 26 degrees. WBGT measures heat stress on the human body by combining temperature, humidity, wind, and sunlight.

At last year’s FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, where fans complained about the intense heat, supporters were also not allowed to bring water bottles into the venues.