FIFA Bans Refillable Water Bottles at World Cup Venues

FIFA has implemented a ban on refillable water bottles at World Cup venues, a decision made for safety reasons. The updated stadium code explicitly prohibits fans from bringing reusable water bottles, which was a recent change from previous guidelines that allowed empty, transparent, reusable plastic bottles of up to 1 liter capacity.

This decision aims to protect the health and safety of players, referees, fans, and staff, as stated by a FIFA spokesperson. The organization noted that several venues had already barred refillable bottles due to safety considerations.

To accommodate fans, hydration stations and cooling tents will be available at the stadiums, and bottled water will be sold inside at consistent prices. This rule change comes despite warnings from experts about potential health risks for fans facing extreme heat during the tournament, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Last month, a research group estimated that 26 out of 104 games could be played under conditions exceeding 26 degrees on the wet bulb globe temperature scale.