Water Bottles Now Allowed In Most World Cup Stadiums: FIFA

GENEVA, June 6 (Bernama-dpa) -- Around a week before the start of the football World Cup, FIFA has again changed its rules and is now allowing fans to bring water bottles into stadiums at least in the United States and Canada, reported German news agency dpa.

"All fans will be permitted to bring one, soft, plastic, 20 ounces (590ml), factory sealed disposable water bottle into any FIFA World Cup 2026 match in the USA and Canada," FIFA's chief operating officer Heimo Schirgi said in a video published online on Saturday.

He said he wanted to bring "some clarity" to the rules. Containers made of hard plastic and open, refillable drinking cups or bottles are not permitted.

The policy represents a reversal, as shortly before FIFA had justified and reaffirmed its ban on bringing any water bottles even empty ones into stadiums on security grounds, saying that policy was designed to prevent injuries to fans and players alike.

There was fierce criticism from fan representatives and also from politicians such as Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow, who described the water bottle ban and the de facto requirement to buy water inside the stadium as "pure money-making." Six World Cup matches will be played in Toronto. 

New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani had also expressed concern about the FIFA rule and, after the U-turn, told The Athletic that he is "glad" that FIFA reversed its policy.

"No one should have to fear being priced out of being hydrated, especially fans who are often waiting for hours before a game in extreme heat."

--BERNAMA-dpa