The Federation of International Football Association, FIFA, has issued a ban on the use of reusable water cans in stadiums during the 2026 World Cup to enable safety conditions for players, officials and fans and others involved.
FIFA, after stating that bottles of 1 litre size can be brought to the stadium tweaked the disclosure, now stating that empty, transparent and reusable plastic bottles may not be brought to the stadium during matches at the mundial competition.
The soccer governing body held that it remains committed to protecting the health and safety of all and sundry during the soccer fiesta to prevent risks and injuries 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,” FIFA relayed in a statement.
To make water available, it disclosed that bottled water inside the venue would be sold at prices which remain consistent with other events held at each stadium, also noting that misting stations, fans, hydrations stations and cooling tents would be available in the statement footprint to curb heat conditions.
The rule change after experts warned that fans could face health risks from extreme heat at open-air venues during the World Cup, which is being co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
A report published by the World Weather Attribution research group last month estimated that 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.