FIFA has reversed its decision to ban 2026 World Cup fans from bringing refillable water bottles into 16 stadiums following a strong outcry from a group of prominent fans and politicians.
FIFA announced the new policy last weekend in a social media post, saying all fans are allowed to bring one 20-ounce (590 ml) soft plastic disposable water bottle, still factory sealed, to the 2026 World Cup matches in the United States (US) and Canada.
However, FIFA added that fans were not allowed to bring hard-to-refill water bottles for security reasons.
Initially, FIFA’s stadium rules stated that fans could bring reusable transparent bottles up to a capacity of 1 liter, or 33.8 ounces.
However, the subsequent update stated that in order to avoid any doubt, refillable water bottles should not be brought into the stadium.
In a statement, FIFA said the decision to ban bottles – which could potentially be thrown – was to prevent risk and injury to players and spectators.
“FIFA is committed to protecting the health and safety of all players, referees, fans, volunteers and staff,” he said.
However, with temperatures of 90 degrees Fahrenheit (about 32 degrees Celsius) or more expected in many cities in the US, Mexico and Canada that will host 104 matches, FIFA’s initial policy has drawn harsh criticism.
Many argue that FIFA prohibits fans from bringing their own bottles so that sponsors do not lose money.
“Of course, this thought for the supporters is just the latest attempt (FIFA) to rake in money,” the English fan group, Free Lions, said in a statement.
Not only from fans, officials also criticized FIFA’s policy. The Mayor of New York, Zohran Mamdani, told The Athletic that the ban on reusable water bottles raised concerns because pans were not only experienced by players, but would also be experienced by spectators for a period of time that might be longer.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the decision was wrong and only to seek profit.
As is known, the water, soda, and juice sold at the 2026 World Cup stadium are exclusively supplied by FIFA’s long-time sponsor, Coca-Cola, when the tournament begins later.
The English, Chinese, Japanese, Arabic, and French versions are automatically generated by the AI. So there may still be inaccuracies in translating, please always see Indonesian as our main language.
(system supported by DigitalSiber.id)
