Fans will no longer be able to bring refillable plastic bottles into World Cup stadiums after FIFA changed its policy.
The move, which FIFA says is to “prevent risk and injury to players and attendees”, has been criticised by the Free Lions England fans’ embassy, amid concerns over supporter welfare in the extreme heat of the North American summer.
The code of conduct for ticket holders had previously permitted an empty, transparent, reusable bottle of up to one litre capacity to be brought in, but as first reported by The Athletic, an update to ticket holders on June 2 confirmed reusable bottles were no longer permitted.
A FIFA spokesperson said: “FIFA is committed to protecting the health and safety of all players, referees, fans, volunteers and staff.
“FIFA made the decision to prohibit bottles to prevent risk and injury to players and attendees.
Read more:Peabo Bryson, known for duets from Disney’s ‘Aladdin’ and ‘Beauty and the Beast,’ has died at 75
“Outside bottles are already prohibited at several of these venues for safety considerations and FIFA is applying this consideration across its tournament stadiums.
“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.”
The Athletic reported that bottled water cost between four and six US dollars (between £3 and £4.50) at last summer’s Club World Cup in the United States.
Read more:Nicol: Pulisic’s form key for USMNT’s World Cup momentum – ESPN Video
The Free Lions England fans’ group reacted to the new policy by posting on X: “What next? Sun cream banned and fans forced to buy it in stadiums?
“For all of the effort they are going to with ‘drinks breaks’ for the players, this is such a strange, late change.
“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.
Read more:Artist sues FIFA for painting over Dallas whale mural for World Cup
“We hope the water fountains in stadiums will still be free, hopefully you aren’t charged in the queue!”
Last month, academics at World Weather Attribution (WWA) expressed concern about the impact of extreme heat on player and fan welfare, with supporters felt to be especially vulnerable.
Altogether, WWA expects nine of the 104 World Cup matches to be played above 26 degrees Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT).
WBGT is an index that considers how effectively the body can cool itself.
Read more:Man City threaten legal action after Real Madrid candidate vows to sign Erling Haaland
Above 26C, world players’ union FIFPRO advises that safety measures should be implemented, with around five matches expected to occur where the WBGT exceeds 28 degrees, when FIFPRO says matches should be postponed.
WWA study author Dr Theodore Keeping from Imperial College London said in response to FIFA’s change of policy: “Allowing fair and equitable access to hydration is a basic first defence against the extreme heat risks climate change is bringing to this World Cup.”
FIFA has introduced three-minute hydration breaks for players in each half as a welfare measure.
