NEW YORK (Kashmir English): The official world governing body for soccer has barred fans from bringing refillable water bottles into World Cup stadiums in a last-minute policy change that will force thirsty supporters to pay for bottled water, The Athletic has reported.
Last month, Fifa’s official stadium code of conduct included a clause which read: “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 those guidelines had now been amended to explicitly ban refillable bottles.
“For the avoidance of doubt, reusable water bottles may not be brought into the stadium,” an updated stadium code of conduct read.
According to a FIFA spokesperson, the rule change was taken on safety grounds, noting that several World Cup venues already banned the use of refillable 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 further said that misting stations, fans, hydration stations and cooling tents would be available in “the stadium footprint”.
World Cup venues
FIFA added that bottled water inside the venue would be sold at prices which “remain consistent with other events held at each stadium.”
The rule change comes despite experts’ concerns that fans could face health risks from extreme heat at open-air venues during the global event, which is being co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
According to a report published by the World Weather Attribution research group last month, 26 of 104 games at the World Cup are likely to be played in conditions where the Wet Bulb Global Temperature (WBGT) exceeds 26 degrees.
WBGT is a measure of heat stress on the human body which combines temperature, humidity, wind and sunlight.
The event will feature 104 matches, up from 64 in 2022, including an additional knockout round.
