FIFA has announced a last-minute change to its World Cup stadium policy, banning fans from bringing refillable water bottles into match venues, a move that will require supporters to purchase bottled water inside stadiums.
According to The Athletic, FIFA’s previous stadium code of conduct allowed spectators to bring empty, transparent, reusable plastic bottles with a capacity of up to one litre into venues. However, the governing body has now revised the guidelines to expressly prohibit reusable water bottles.
The updated code of conduct states: “For the avoidance of doubt, reusable water bottles may not be brought into the stadium.”
Explaining the decision, a FIFA spokesperson said the policy was introduced for safety reasons, noting that several World Cup venues had already prohibited refillable bottles.
“FIFA is committed to protecting the health and safety of all players, referees, fans, volunteers and staff,” the spokesperson said.
The statement added that the ban was implemented to reduce the risk of injury to players and spectators, with FIFA extending safety measures already in place at some venues to all tournament stadiums.
